Removing level crossings takes significant amounts of power – both human and machine – so the project teams at Bedford and Dublin roads are implementing several energy-saving solutions.
An EV charging station has been installed at the project’s East Ringwood site office to power our 8.5 tonne electric truck. This innovation saves hundreds of litres of diesel each month while transporting materials around site, as well as reducing air and noise pollution.
A new 74.8kW rooftop solar system will power the office’s operations, generating 98,000 kWh a year - enough to meet the needs of 14 households – with surplus energy being fed back into the grid.
The EV charging station and office building will be handed back to Maroondah Council at the end of the project, delivering long-term environmental benefits for the community.
Rooftop solar will also be a key feature of the new Ringwood East Station, but the biggest power saving will come from balancing lighting designs across the station precinct.
Lighting car parks, stations and shared use paths typically accounts for more than half a station precinct’s ongoing energy needs. By balancing lighting levels across these areas to meet safety requirements and avoid excessive light pollution, we will save more than 34,000 kWh annually – equivalent to 7 households.
The level crossings at Dublin and Bedford roads will be removed by lowering the rail line into trenches under the roads, making Ringwood boom gate free in 2024, a year ahead of schedule.
