The Camms Road level crossing will be gone for good by 2024, a year ahead of schedule according to the State Government.
Works will start early next year on a new road bridge over the rail line on Camms Road.
Artist’s impressions of the bridge were released on Friday 25 June and show Camms Road elevated over the railway tracks.
The road bridge will feature wide, well-lit paths for pedestrians and cyclists as well as landscaping.
The community is invited to preview the early artist’s impressions and provide feedback on how people move through the area, and landscaping, walking and cyclist connections and architectural finishes on the new road bridge.
With more than 137 trains passing through each day and more trains soon to be added to the Cranbourne line, the State Government said removing the crossing is critical to improving safety in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing areas.
“Our local community is one of the fastest growing in Victoria so it’s terrific to see these crucial upgrades continuing, improving safety and easing congestion for locals now and in the future,” Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said.
As part of the works, 18 properties must be acquired.
The Level Crossing Removal Project has attempted to contact affected owners and residents, who will be supported by the project throughout the process.
The road bridge is considered the only technical solution for the Camms Road site as it means the level crossing can be removed without impacting the nearby Cranbourne stabling yards/
Many of the city’s trains are parked overnight and prepared for operations at the stabling yard.
Other solutions for the crossing removal would have required the relocation of the stabling yard during construction, which is not possible.
This solution also does the best job at future-proofing the area for possible transport upgrades including on the Cranbourne line and to Cranbourne Station, as well a rail extension to Clyde, which is currently in planning. Building a rail trench or rail bridge would impact the ability for these to be delivered, the State Government said.
Other road bridge alignments were also investigated but would have required the acquisition of even more properties.
Construction will start with early works in the first half of next year, and landowners won’t need to vacate the properties until mid-2022.
To provide feedback on the early concept designs, visit engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-cranbourne-line-upgrade.
