Grange Rd level crossing to be built in underground trench
THE GRANGE Rd level crossing is to be built underground in a win for the Alphington community.
Northcote Labor MP Fiona Richardson revealed the design of the crossing exclusively to the Northcote Leader, in which the Hurstbridge train line will be lowered to run underneath Grange Rd.
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The announcement follows detailed planning, engineering and design work by technical experts, and consultation with local residents and businesses.
Leader reported last month the Level Crossing Railway Authority was considering two options for the project – a rail bridge over Grange Rd or a rail trench underneath.
A view of the Grange Rd level crossing, which will be built underground.
Wingrove St resident Colin Higgins, who led a 300-signature petition calling for the rail trench, described the announcement as “the best news”.
Mr Higgins thanked the LCRA for “listening to the community and listening to their concerns”.
“It goes to show that when the community rallies together and sends a clear message, it’s good to know the Government is taking it seriously,” he said.
Mr Higgins said lowering the train line under the level crossing was “the most suitable option for the neighbourhood” given the low density housing nearby.
He also said having the station underground would be better for the community’s safety.
Ms Richardson said work to remove the level crossing would begin next year and be completed by 2019.
“Next year, work will start to lower the line so trains can safely run under Grange Rd, reducing congestion, frustration and delay for thousands of motorists,” she said.
“It’s part of our transformation of the Hurstbridge line to run more frequent, reliable trains and get people home safer and sooner.”
About 25,000 vehicles pass over the Grange Rd level crossing each day. Boomgates are down at the crossing for about 40 minutes each hour during the weekday peak between 7am and 9am when 33 trains pass through.