1 August 2017
The Victorian Government is removing 50 of the most dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne, including the notorious level crossing at Buckley Street in Essendon.
To remove the dangerous crossing, a road underpass will be built beneath the railway line, creating better traffic flow and a safer community.
Community consultation
Since October 2016, the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) has been consulting with locals across Essendon to gather ideas and feedback on the removal of the level crossing. Through this process, we have ensured:
- engagement from a broad range of the community
- identification of key issues from the community and stakeholders (such as VicRoads, schools and bus operators)
- feedback is fed into the design process, to maximise project benefits.
We want to continue to hear from you as the project progresses.
Once the design is final, construction is expected to start in late 2017 and will be completed by 2019.
Overview
The boom gates at Buckley Street are currently down for an average of 78 minutes during the weekday morning peak, holding up the 11,000 drivers that travel through it each day.
Our expert project team are getting on with the job to deliver the solution that best improves traffic flow and ensures the safety of the local community.
The new Buckley Street road underpass will:
- create a safer environment for pedestrians, school students and road users
- mean no property acquisition
- improve traffic flow and travel times
- preserve the heritage listed station
- provide better connections between the station, schools and shops.
Methodology
We have sought community input in a variety of ways to understand what matters most to you.
In addition, we have met with a number of local residents and other key stakeholders (such as schools, council and traders) to discuss the project and design solution, answer questions, hear concerns and capture views on aspects of the project. This feedback has been important in shaping the project.
- 2 Community Information Sessions
- 16,200 invites sent and 387 people attended
- Planning Scheme Amendment submissions
- 3930 submission forms distributed and 185 were received
- 2 trader information sessions
- 72 invites sent and 16 traders attended
- Market research
- 2 focus groups and 416 phone surveys
- 7 email updates
- 929 email subscribers
- Moonee Valley Festival stall
- 500 visitors
- Essendon Info Hub
- Over 100 visitors since 6 June
- 7 meetings held with transport stakeholders
- Online Engagement Hub
- Over 70 comments and questions
- 6 pop-up stalls at Essendon Station
- One-on-one briefings with schools
What we heard
We have received overall support for the removal of the level crossing with people saying they just want it gone.
However, there has also been some concerns expressed from the Moonee Valley City Council and some traders and community members about the design solution.
We have analysed this feedback into 4 themes.
Traffic movements
You told us that improving traffic flow and reducing congestion is a priority. We heard your concerns in regards to traffic movements, including increased traffic on local roads and side streets, such as Lorraine Street, Leslie Road and Park Street reduction in through-lanes on Buckley Street leading to greater congestion on Park Street, Mt Alexander Road and Lincoln Road congestion during peak times.
You asked us to consider issues such as access for emergency vehicles and buses, and areas for parents to drop off school students. We’re using this to help inform the development of traffic movements and design of the precinct, such as building new ‘kiss and ride’ drop off points.
We also heard that people wanted to know more about new traffic movements and changed routes, so we developed a video that explains how the road underpass and service lanes will function. Check it out on our Online Hub.
Connects and access
You told us that you want a more connected, safe and vibrant community in Essendon. We heard about the need for better access to local shops and schools, and improved connections with other modes of transport.
We’ve been working closely with VicRoads, Public Transport Victoria, bus operators, Metro Trains Melbourne, Yarra Trams and V/Line, to make sure we improve connects in the area and provide a better experience for public transport users.
You said you want more open spaces to improve the way people move through the area as well as to enhance the look and feel of the area. You also asked us to preserve existing plants and add more landscaped areas.
Because of this, we’re building more open space and walking and cycling paths to provide better access to the station, schools and shops. As work continues to finalise the design, you will also have more of an opportunity to have your say on landscaping.
Future proofing
The majority of the community support the removal of the level crossing at Buckley Street, but many also told us about the importance of looking at a long-term solution that allows for the future removal of the Park Street and Puckle Street level crossings.
We heard about the need to consider future planning to keep up with population growth and increased housing density in the area.
You shared great ideas for future development of the precinct, including:
- housing developments
- parkland areas
- shopping centres
- upgrades to the station.
Significant consideration has been given to ensure the road underpass does not preclude future station upgrades and allows for more frequent train services from Essendon to the city once the Metro Tunnel has been completed.
Your ideas are being used to shape the project to ensure the best outcome for Essendon.
Your ideas are being used to shape the project to ensure future growth and preservation of the liveability and beauty that is unique to Essendon.
Community safety
We heard that maintaining a safe and user-friendly area around the station is of utmost importance – including safety for students getting to and from school, pedestrians, commuters, residents and cyclists.
We also received suggestions to improve safety at Essendon station in the future by introducing security gates and better disability access.
You raised some concerns about driver safety in the underpass, specifically about removing hazards and ensuring adequate sight-lines and visibility.
You gave us some great ideas to enhance safety through:
- increased lighting
- a design that provides better line of sight
- installing CCTV cameras
- measures to deter graffiti and other anti-social behaviour
- speed humps
- reduced speed limits.
We’re committed to putting community safety first and will look at incorporating your ideas as we finalise the design.
We want to keep hearing from you along the way to make sure Essendon continues to be a safe and vibrant community.
Next steps
Your feedback is important to us. Over the coming months, you will continue to have the opportunity to provide input into aspects of the project, including how the area around the station will look, landscaping, and connections. We will be sharing the final design with you in the coming months.
Community Drop-In Session
To continue the conversation, we are holding a community information session on 19 August 2017 where you check out concept designs and share your ideas about how you’d like the area around the Essendon station to look once work is complete.
Technical experts will be available to answer questions.
Date: Saturday 19 August 2017
Time: 10am to 2pm
Venue: St Columba's College, 2 Leslie Road, Essendon
Can't make it to the session?
- Visit our Online Engagement Hub to have your say and submit ideas. The online engagement hub will be open from 18 until 31 August 2017.
- Drop into the Essendon Info Hub at 20 Russell Street, Essendon to find out more about the project and provide feedback to the project team a question. Visit our Online Engagement Hub for opening dates and times.
More information
Visit our Online Engagement Hub, email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105.