1 May 2017
Crossing removal fast tracked
Easing congestion
Removing the dangerous level crossing on Camp Road in Campbellfield will improve safety and congestion on one of northern Melbourne's busiest arterial roads which carries around 20,000 cars and trucks each day.
The boom gates cause frustration and delays every day for commuters and businesses trying to deliver goods.
In the past 10 years alone there have been three accidents and 18 near misses, including three since December 2016.
Work begins mid-2017
Removal work will begin later and be finished by early 2018. The project will be delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Project and John Holland/KBR.
The rail line will be lowered under Camp Road and a new road bridge will replace the level crossing.
Much of the construction will be completed while trains are running and Camp Road remains open.
Camp Road will be required to close for the shortest time possible during construction. We will inform you early and often of upcoming works.
Project benefits
Removing the Camp Road level crossing will provide a safer and more reliable journey for the 20,000 motorists who rely on it every day.
This includes local residents, parents dropping children off at nearby schools, local businesses and freight companies.
Reducing congestion and eliminating delays will mean better trips for these drivers and improved efficiency for local businesses.
The road bridge will have four lanes for traffic as well as a new pedestrian and cycle path on the north side, delivering improvements for those travelling on foot or by bike.
Native plants will be used for landscaping, and native trees will be planted along the rail corridor.
Planning for the future
Future-proofing has been a key part of the design for the Camp Road level crossing removal.
Importantly, the new rail equipment installed as part of the project will allow space for a potential station at Campbellfield in the future.
It will also future-proof for other potential future transport improvements including:
- a second track on the Upfield Line between Gowrie and Upfield stations
- widening of Camp Road to allow for traffic growth and a shared pedestrian and cycle path
- the Upfield bicycle path extension.
What's next
Detailed design work and construction planning is underway, and early work on the project will begin later this year.
We will be out and about in your local community again from May to talk to local businesses, stakeholders and community leaders about the project and to seek feedback which can help inform the project planning process.
Supporting local jobs and businesses
A pop-up Employment and Business Hub will be set up close to Camp Road, where locals interested in working on the project or providing goods and services will be able to drop in to express their interest and can get in touch with the project team.
Ten per cent of all work on the project will be delivered by apprentices, trainees and cadets.
We will also work with local social, training and employment providers to identify opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers, people with a disability, retrenched automotive workers and Indigenous Victorians.
Glenroy Road
We are also removing the congested level crossing at Glenroy Road in Glenroy.
19,000 drivers are held up at this crossing every day, with the boom gates down for around 52 minutes in the morning peak.
This crossing is on the Craigieburn Line and will be removed by John Holland/KBR once they successfully remove the Camp Road level crossing.
Project timeline
February 2017
- Fast-track level crossing removal
May 2017
- Construction partner announced
Mid-2017
- Site establishment/service relocation
Late 2017
- Major works take place
Early 2018
- Level crossing removed