Piling works have wrapped up as part of laying foundations for a new road bridge that will make the level crossing at Watsons Road, Diggers Rest a thing of the past.
Along with the removal of the level crossing at Old Calder Highway, Diggers Rest will be level crossing free this year.
Crews at Watsons Road used a 65-tonne piling rig to dig 7 piles, which will form the foundations for the new road bridge.
Construction on both the eastern and western retaining walls for the new road bridge at Watsons Road is continuing. The bridge will include separated pedestrian access and has been designed to future proof for new developments north of Diggers Rest.
Meanwhile, work is well advanced on building the new roundabout at Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, which will enable traffic to flow over the new road bridge and connect to Old Calder Highway.
The bridge will take vehicles – and cyclists via a separated bike path – over the rail line at Stan Payne Reserve, before turning north to Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
Old Calder Highway will close at the level crossing when the new road bridge opens, with a new open space created for the community. Access will be maintained for pedestrians crossing the rail line.
Both level crossings will be gone for good this year, making the Sunbury Line level crossing free, improving safety and reducing congestion in the heart of Diggers Rest.
More than 8000 vehicles use the 2 level crossings every day, facing delays of up to 36 minutes when 27 trains travel through the crossings during the morning peak.
