By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
PLANS to transform parts of the Cranbourne-Pakenham rail line into an elevated “sky rail” have been submitted to the State Government a part of their promise to remove 50 level crossings across Victoria by 2022.
Reports have outlined the ‘secret’ plans for a raised rail, two to four storeys above street level and running for several kilometres.
Shadow Minister for Planning David Davis has hit out at the idea, labelling it a “cheaper option” compared to underground lines and one that would “split communities in half”.
“There was a clear promise before the election to put rail lines underground at level crossing sites,” Mr Davis said.
“The negative visual and sound impacts will also result in falling property values in the vicinity of the elevated rail line.”
But a spokesperson for Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, said the sky rail was just one option for Melbourne’s busiest train line.
“We promised to remove every level crossing between Dandenong and Caulfield and we are still considering the best way to do that,“ they said.
While Mr Davis has expressed his concerns about how a sky rail could damage small businesses and retailers in the immediate area, RACV Public Policy General Manager, Brian Negus supports the State Government’s decision to “explore all options”.
Mr Negus said while most of Melbourne’s recent rail grade separations had been rail-under-road, it should not be assumed that this was the only way, or the best way of removing level crossings.
“Elevated rail is used successfully around the world and the concept of a so-called ‘sky train’ to replace level crossings could be feasible at a number of locations in Melbourne,” Mr Negus said.
What would you like to see at level crossings throughout your neighbourhood?
