19 March 2018
Passenger and freight train noise
When we remove a level crossing, there are no more bells and gates coming down and the train drivers no longer have to sound their horns when they cross over or under the road.
Once the rail line is lowered into a trench at Edithvale and Bonbeach, there will be a reduction in the average train noise levels.
Traffic operations
Removal of the level crossings is expected to result in improved safety by removing the potential for incidents between trains and road users. This would benefit both current users of the road network and any future users who previously avoided the level crossings.
The traffic assessment for the projects recognises that each intersection is a small part of a complex transport network.
The assessment considers how the removal of the two level crossings would contribute to the overall road-based transport network. The EES found that the intersections at both Edithvale Road and Station Street/ Bondi Road would have adequate intersection performance following the level crossing removals.
The projects would be designed and constructed to provide suitable routes for pedestrians and cyclists to maintain connections after construction.
This would be via pedestrian bridges across the rail line, existing pedestrian crossings, and a walking and cycling path along Station Street at Edithvale and Bonbeach.
Surface water quality
The construction of the trenches could modify urban stormwater runoff. These changes could result in greater volumes of runoff and increased sources of pollutants in runoff.
Stormwater runoff from the completed rail trenches would require management to prevent water quality or capacity issues. Options for water treatment may include measures such as a bio-filter to treat stormwater prior to discharge.
Bio-filters would be placed between the trenches and the local drainage network, filled with a porous filter material and planted with vegetation. Bio-filters remove pollutants from stormwater runoff using natural processes to treat the stormwater.
Landscape and visual
The existing Edithvale and Bonbeach stations will be replaced with new modern facilities.
The Urban Design Guidelines, which will be used to guide the design process, set out requirements for a high-quality approach to architectural, landscape and infrastructure design across the projects.
Business
The Edithvale and Bonbeach level crossing removal projects are located opposite small but locally-significant commercial centres along Nepean Highway.
These retail strips form a continuous one-sided ‘high street’ environment, including cafes, retail shops, and personal and professional services.
The removal of the level crossings is expected to improve the general amenity of the area by providing infrastructure upgrades, improved transport and pedestrian connections.
Social
Social benefits of the projects include improved amenity, access and connectivity. The projects include improvements such as new station buildings and improvements in station forecourts and streetscapes.
In addition, the proposed crossings will offer safer access over the rail line and improved road connections with the beach and access to local shops.