By Danielle Kutchel
The City of Casey has come out swinging against the State Government’s plan to acquire 18 properties on Camms Road to make way for a road bridge over the level crossing.
On Friday 25 June the State Government released its plan and artist’s impressions of Camms Road, stating that it will be level-crossing free by 2024 – a year ahead of schedule.
But the City of Casey has urged the government to reconsider its proposed design.
“The proposed road bridge will elevate Camms Road over the busy rail line, and leave many residents looking up at a concrete bridge that will limit pedestrian connections and sever connectivity across the rail corridor,” said Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff.
She said the government should consult with the council and the local community to inform its design, rather than seeking a quick-fix for the busy road.
“Cranbourne residents deserve a better outcome than an imposing bridge that removes so many homes.
“The proposed artist’s impression also shows little change to Cranbourne station which indicates an approach that does not adequately future-proof the precinct to accommodate the much-needed Cranbourne to Clyde rail extension,” Ms Duff said.
It’s understood Camms Road residents – including small business owners – have been approached by the government about its plans, but not everyone is happy with them.
Star News understands that further meetings will soon be held between government representatives and residents to discuss the acquisitions.
Seventeen residential properties are set to be compulsorily acquired, along with a partial acquisition of one commercial property.
They will make way for the new road bridge which will be a single lane in each direction, with paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said the Cranbourne rail line was one of Melbourne’s busiest, with the Camms Road crossing one of the last to go between Cranbourne and the city.
“The project will ease congestion and boost safety for locals and around 12,000 motorists each day,” she said.
Andrew Pepllinkhouse, project director at the Level Crossing Removal Project, said property acquisitions were “always a last resort”.
“We have investigated all other solutions and a road bridge is the best option for removing this level crossing,” he said.
“Building a road bridge means the Cranbourne Line will be future-proofed for a rail extension to Clyde and possible upgrades to the Cranbourne Station precinct, as well as shorter construction timeframes and less disruptions for the 90,000 commuters that use the line every day.”
“Our project team will continue to work with the affected residents and property owners to ensure individuals are supported during the process.”
City of Casey chief executive officer Glenn Patterson rejected arguments supporting early delivery of the road bridge to save on delays.
“The Cranbourne to Clyde rail extension is a priority for our growing community and must be delivered properly, which means adjacent and complementary projects should accommodate this in their design,” he said.
“The reality is this short-term road bridge option means much bigger delays and costs for ratepayers down the track.”
He said Casey residents had waited long enough for the level crossing to be removed and didn’t deserve to see the Cranbourne to Clyde extension delayed.
“Rushing through this design without proper consultation and integrating a properly planned extension is a disservice to the community,” Mr Patterson added.
The State Government insists the road bridge over the rail line is the only technical solution possible at the site to avoid impacting the nearby Cranbourne stabling yards, while also impacting the smallest number of properties.
Alternatives like rail over road would require relocating the stabling yards during construction, which the government has said is not possible.
Community consultation on the Camms Road level crossing removal is now open at engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-cranbourne-line-upgrade
The City of Casey has urged residents to respond quickly to the invitation for community consultation.
