Dangerous and congested level crossings in Ringwood and Ringwood East are going for good, with early concept designs unveiled for the second of 2 level crossing removals in the suburbs.
Removal of the crossings will improve safety and ease congestion for the thousands of drivers that pass through every day.
The Dublin Road, Ringwood East level crossing will be removed by building a 650-metre-long rail trench, with trains to travel under the road.
A brand-new Ringwood East Station will also be built, featuring a forecourt with direct access to shops and bus connections.
The station will include new lifts, stairs, lighting, upgraded pedestrian and cycling paths in the area, as well as 460 commuter car parks.
The community now has the opportunity to provide feedback on aspects of the initial concept designs for the Dublin Road level crossing removal and the new Ringwood East Station.
To check out the new designs and have your say, head to the Engage Victoria website.
Cycling and pedestrian connections for Bedford Road
The Dublin Road works follow the unveiling of concept designs for the dangerous and congested Bedford Road, Ringwood level crossing removal earlier this year, which will also be replaced with a rail trench.
Following community consultation for the Bedford Road level crossing removal, a new shared use path has been included in the design.
The new path will connect the 19.2km Heathmont Rail Trail to Bedford Park alongside the Belgrave Line, removing the need to travel on-road via Lena Grove, and improving walking and cycling options in the area.
Reshaping Ringwood and Ringwood East
About 23,000 vehicles use the Dublin Road and Bedford Road level crossings each day, with the boom gates down for up to 23 minutes of the morning peak at each location, causing delays and congestion.
The Dublin Road level crossing is just one of the 5 remaining level crossings on the Lilydale Line – all of which will be gone by 2025 – making the line level crossing free and paving the way for more services, more often.
Removing the Bedford Road crossing will ensure the Belgrave Line is level crossing free between Ferntree Gully and the city.
Lilydale and Belgrave Line removals pave the way for more services
Further along the Belgrave/Lilydale Line, work is well underway to remove level crossings at Union Road, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert, which will be replaced by a 1.3km rail trench and consolidate the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert stations into one modern station.
Planning is also moving ahead for the removal of the Coolstore Road, Croydon level crossing and the closure of Cave Hill Road, Lilydale level crossing.
The project team will continue site investigations at Dublin Road throughout 2022, with major construction to start in 2023, while early works at Bedford Road will start later this year. The boom gates at both locations will be gone for good in 2025.
The Victorian Government is removing 85 level crossings by 2025 – with 59 already gone for good – improving safety and reducing congestion in Melbourne’s suburbs.