The Victorian Government has committed to removing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025. With 47 already gone the project is ahead of schedule so another 10 have been added to make it 85 level crossings gone by 2025.

We're removing 6 level crossings on the Sunbury line. 3 are already gone, one is going and now we have added another 2 including:

• Calder Park Drive, Calder Park
• Holden Road, Calder Park (closure)

Removing these crossings will improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains, more often.

Site analysis

These level crossings clog local roads and puts lives at risk.

The boom gates can be down for more than 25 minutes in the morning peak, with 25 train services timetabled.

The Metro Tunnel will mean more trains more often along the Sunbury line which would mean even more boom gate down time.

Major works are currently underway on the Sunbury Line Upgrade. Due to the proximity of the new level crossing removals to this work, it makes sense to get these projects done now while crews are out on the ground. This will mean we can get rid of the crossings as soon as possible.

Level crossing closure

By removing the level crossing at Calder Park Drive, traffic will flow better in the area. With these improvements in place, we’ll close the nearby level crossing at Holden Road.

Why these level crossings need to go

• Approximately 10,000 vehicles travel through these crossings each day
• Boom gates are down for up to 25 minutes of the morning peak (7am - 9am)
• 25 trains during the morning peak (7am - 9am)

Who we are

The Level Crossing Removal Project was established in 2015 by the Victorian Government to remove 50 dangerous and congested level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2022.

In 2018, the Victorian Government committed to removing a further 25 level crossings by 2025.

Now in 2021, another 10 will go meaning 85 level crossings removed by 2025.

Removing the 85 level crossings will deliver:

• More reliable roads and rail – traffic congestion will be reduced, and more trains will be able to run more often.
• Improved safety – crossing the rail line will be safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
• More opportunities – removing level crossings will enhance and create vibrant areas for the community.

Project benefits

We’re removing six dangerous and congested level crossings on the Sunbury line by 2025.

• More than $2.1 billion is being invested in the Sunbury Line Upgrade
• Other improvements include installing next-generation high capacity signalling and extending platforms for new bigger trains
• The Sunbury line is now boom gate-free from the city to Watergardens
• When combined with the Metro Tunnel, these upgrades will make room for 113,000 extra peak hour passengers each weekday along the line
• Across Melbourne, we'll create over 20 MCGs worth of open space and over 50kms of new walking and cycling paths.

Technical design to remove the level crossing

Each level crossing is unique and needs a design that considers environmental, community and technical factors. A design that works well for one area may not necessarily suit another.

Designs for level crossing removals are assessed and developed by teams of technical experts including engineers and construction specialists.

Initial assessments indicate that a road bridge over the rail line* will deliver the best outcome for the community at Calder Park Drive, Calder Park. This design means we can get rid of this crossing sooner and will be less disruptive for road and rail users during construction.

* Further engineering assessments and community engagement will be undertaken on these projects.

Upcoming site investigations

As we remove a level crossing, it is important that we have a detailed understanding of the conditions at each site.

To do this, we complete lots of site investigations to better understand the ground conditions and work out what designs and construction methods can be used in each location.

Over the coming months, our teams will do further investigations and studies in and around the rail corridor. This includes activities such as soil testing, heritage assessments and ground water monitoring.

You’ll see our crew working, but the works are unlikely to cause disruption to the community. We’ll notify residents who live nearby before we start these works.

Keep in touch

We will be out in the community to talk to you about these projects in the coming months.

Send us a private message on our Facebook page.

Contact our 24/7 call centre on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au