Transport modelling

For well over a year our team of experts have been analysing local traffic and transport data to develop models which help determine how traffic will move in the future.

What is transport modelling?

Transport modelling analyses travel patterns in a geographic area, including the interaction between different modes of transport (cars, buses, trains, and trams) and the factors that influence particular travel choices. It simulates existing and post level crossing removal conditions.

Modelling done so far

2015

The Victorian Integrated Transport Model identified Buckley Street as one of the 50 most dangerous and congested level crossings to be removed.

2016

A transport impact assessment of the Buckley Street Level Crossing Removal Project was carried out to understand how traffic may move around the area once the level crossing is removed. This assessment included analysis of the traffic volumes and how traffic may move around the local area. This analysis confirmed the road underpass was a viable solution.

2017 – Current

We are doing further detailed operational transport modelling. This is helping us determine what would happen to traffic flow if we changed a particular condition or movement. For example, where would traffic likely flow to if we built a roundabout at an intersection, or if we changed the direction of traffic down a particular street, and so on.

2017 – Next steps

Operational modelling will continue to inform design and help determine best arrangements. These models will also help inform traffic management during construction.  We will keep you updated as we progress

We are removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Buckley Street, Essendon, by building a road underpass beneath the railway line.

This will lead to improved traffic flow, while providing safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists moving around the local area.

Walking

The removal of the dangerous Buckley Street level crossing will improve pedestrian safety within the project area.

A new shared user underpass on the southern side of Buckley Street which meets the access and safety requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is being proposed.

This will safely separate pedestrians from the trains. Pedestrians will no longer have to wait behind a pedestrian gate as trains go by.

The new community open space around the Buckley Street road underpass will allow safer and more direct local connections to and from Rose Street and Russell Street across Buckley Street.

This will be an improved walking route from Essendon station precinct to homes and schools in the area.

We’re talking regularly with the local schools to make sure students safety is improved for their journey to and from school.

We’re also looking to improve the existing pedestrian crossings by highlighting pedestrian priority and therefore offering safer movement around the precinct.

Driving

By removing the Buckley Street level crossing, we’re removing the congestion and frustration that goes along with it.

While we’re improving the traffic flow for those travelling east and west along Buckley Street, there are also some changes to how you drive around the area.

We’re building service roads so you can access Rose Street, Russell Street and other local streets from Buckley Street.

These service roads will allow for school pick-ups and drop-offs, access to public transport and local vehicle movements.

We’re talking regularly with the local schools to improve the ways students can get to and from school safely and easily.

We are working closely with the Moonee Valley City Council, VicRoads, Public Transport Victoria, local businesses and the community to ensure you can get where you’re going.

Cycling

Cyclists will no longer have to wait at the lights or have to get off their bikes to cross the railway lines.

The new proposed shared user underpass on the southern side of Buckley Street will allow cyclists to cross the rail line regardless of the trains.

The traffic along Rose Street will be slowed down to encourage more cyclists to safely pass through or visit the local shopping area.

We’re creating connections to existing cycling routes throughout the wider region, such as the Moonee Valley City Council’s ‘shimmy routes’ and VicRoads’ Strategic Cycling Corridors.

And if you are cycling to jump on a train, or stopping by the area for a meal with friends, we are considering installing cycling end-of-trip facilities at Essendon railway station.

Tell us your ideas

Your feedback is important to us and will help shape the final design.

Visit our online hub.