25 February 2021
All set for a busy start to 2021
We are getting rid of the dangerous and congested level crossing at Fitzgerald Road by building a road bridge. The project has been fast tracked for completion by 2023.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue with site establishment and relocating utility services. This will pave the way for major construction from mid 2021, when we’ll start building the road bridge over the rail line.
The boom gates in Ardeer can be down for around 45 per cent of the morning peak, when up to 37 trains go through the crossing there has been one serious collision since 2005, and 18 near misses since 2012.
The new road overpass will provide reduced travel times, better local connections and easier access to services.
An alliance of Fulton Hogan, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project has been awarded the $234 million contract to remove the level crossings at Fitzgerald Road and Robinsons Road in Deer Park.
Why the Fitzgerald Road level crossing needs to go
- Improved safety for pedestrians and road users
- A more reliable road network
- Stimulates economic growth by creating hundreds of jobs
- Better connections and travel times
- Opportunities for future transport upgrades
Early works
Site establishment is the first phase of construction, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment for our team and the local community.
Recently, you may have noticed workers moving around the local area to:
- Set up a temporary site compound including offices and storage areas, at 274 Forrest Street, Ardeer
- Put in place temporary traffic changes
- Start early works, such as relocating utility services
- Begin tree and vegetation removal in the rail corridor and at 274 Forrest Street
Works will continue to increase around Fitzgerald Road from this month, including some out of hours work and disruptions to late night and weekend train services.
We’ll notify nearby residents and businesses ahead of any planned works. For those who travel through the area, you can view the latest updates by visiting our disruptions webpage.
Why the road overpass is the best solution for Fitzgerald Road
- Avoids impacting on the westerns Ring Road, and the need for major reinforcement works on the Tilburn Road Bridge
- Up to 12 months faster to build, with significantly less disruptions to drivers and passengers on the Geelong and Ballarat lines
- Requires fewer underground services to be relocation
- Allows for future upgrades to the Geelong and Ballarat lines
- Impacts less on nearby properties during construction
What you told us
In mid-2020, the community of Ardeer and Sunshine West provided us with feedback on the designs for the new overpass
Below are some of the most frequently shared comments and how we have responded.
Minimise environmental impacts
The construction footprint has been reduced and modified to protect environmentally sensitive areas, including nationally significant grasslands north of Forrest Street.
Improve walking and cycling connections
The new 800-metre shared use path will provide a safe and well-lit route across the rail line, with links to the existing walking and cycling network, including the Western Ring Road Trail.
Plan for future rail upgrades
The design of the new overpass has been future-proofed to allow for extra tracks and the proposed electrification of the line.
Plant more native trees and shrubs
More than 200 trees and 150,00 shrubs and grasses will be planted as part of the project, with a focus on species indigenous to the area.
Protect open space
The area between the new road and Kororoit Creek will be retained as green space, with improved access from the new shared use path, while Nancy Street Reserve will not be impacted by the design.
Upcoming disruptions
Road
- In February 2021 the left turn lane from Forrest Street to Fitzgerald Road will be closed. Vehicles can detour via the westbound lane on Forrest Street to turn left onto Fitzgerald Road
- Traffic management will be in place on Forrest Street and Fitzgerald Road to direct you through the area
Pedestrian
- From mid February pedestrian detours will be in place at times along Forrest Street and Fitzgerald Road
- Traffic management will be in place to assist pedestrians and cyclists to safely move through the area
Rail
- Buses will replace trains on sections of the Geelong and Ballarat lines from Saturday 27 February to first service Monday 1 March.
Project timeline
| Date | Progress |
|---|---|
| Late 2020 |
|
| Early-mid 2021 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2023 |
|
*please note that the timeline above is subject to change.
Stay up to date
Visit our website to sign up for regular project updates and for more information about the Fitzgerald Road level crossing removal project.