We’re removing the Gap Road level crossing and upgrading the Sunbury Line

We’re enabling more modern trains to run on the Sunbury Line and removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Gap Road as part of the works in the Sunbury Station precinct.

• Gap Road level crossing gone for good by late 2022
• New and safer shared path for cyclists and pedestrians
• Extension of the Sunbury Station platforms for more modern trains
• Upgrades to Sunbury Line, enabling up to 113,000 more passengers to use the line every week
• Sunbury Line passengers will save up to 20 minutes of journeys to Parkville and St Kilda Road when the Metro Tunnel is complete

By coordinating the Gap Road level crossing removal and the Sunbury Line Upgrade projects, it will allow us to bring the level crossing removal forward from 2025 to 2022 so we can get traffic in the Sunbury CBD moving sooner.

We will also minimise disruption to the local Sunbury community while improving train services, road congestion and safety.

Gap Road level crossing removal project

The Gap Road level crossing will be removed with a road under rail design – this will improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of Sunbury, especially when more trains run on the line in future.

We are also creating a new shared path as part of the design that will be separate from the road, safely connecting pedestrians and cyclists to both sides of Sunbury.

Sunbury Line Upgrade

The Sunbury Line Upgrade will enable more modern trains to run on the line, creating room for 113,000 more passengers during peak periods every week when the Metro Tunnel is completed.

Enhancements being delivered as part of the project include track improvements and power upgrades, platform extensions and train stabling facility modifications.

Removing the Gap Road level crossing

The Gap Road level crossing is located in the heart of Sunbury and is a major source of traffic congestion in the busy town centre.

Current network plans involve increasing the number of trains running on the Sunbury Line, meaning more boom gate downtime in future.

Removing the level crossing with a road under rail design will:

• mean less disruption to train services during construction
• preserve the heritage-listed Sunbury Station
• reduce disruptions in the heart of Sunbury by delivering the level crossing removal and Sunbury Line Upgrade works together.

The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth to be removed on the Sunbury Line.

Why this level crossing has to go

• 19,000 cars travel through the level crossing each day
• Boom gates down for 26% of the morning peak
• Up to 24 trains run through the crossing in the morning peak

Works update

Preparation works are underway on platform extensions and track improvements to be delivered in the Sunbury Station precinct. Site investigations began in June 2020 and a construction site has been established on Horne Street, Sunbury to support ongoing works.

We have also been undertaking site investigations since mid-2019 to help us better understand ground conditions and to inform planning for the removal of the Gap Road level crossing. Early works are due to begin in early 2021.

As we continue to develop these projects, we’ll look for opportunities to coordinate works to lessen disruption to the local community.

Planning

The Gap Road level crossing removal project will be undertaken in accordance with the planning approval requirements of Clause 52.03 (Level Crossing Removal Project) of the Hume Planning Scheme.

The project team is seeking community feedback on a range of planning matters, including:

• construction-related impacts
• environmental impacts
• amenity impacts.

The consultation period is now open, and you have the opportunity to formally submit your feedback. We will provide all comments to the Minister for Planning to inform assessment of the project under Clause 52.03.

Planning submissions can be made online at bigbuild.engage.vic.gov.au.

Call us on 1800 105 105 if you would like to receive a survey form via the post.

Sunbury Station Car Park Upgrade

More than 300 new car parking spaces for commuters, traders and shoppers are also being delivered in the Sunbury Station precinct in a partnership between the Department of Transport and Hume City Council.

The Sunbury Station Car Park Upgrade project, currently in planning and development, will feature accessible parking and secure bicycle storage.

Timeline

• 2019-20
  • Site investigations for the level crossing removal project
  • Planning for the Sunbury Station Car Park Upgrade
• Late 2020
  • Early design development
  • Community consultation on the level crossing removal project
  • Ongoing site investigations
• Early 2021
  • Platform extensions and track works begin at Sunbury Station.
  • Early works on the level crossing removal project begin
• Mid 2021
  • Designs for the level crossing announced.
  • Contract award
• 2022
  • Level crossing removed
• 2023
  • Level crossing and Sunbury Line Upgrade project completion