After comprehensive planning, engineering and design work by technical experts, and extensive consultation with the community, 3 more dangerous and congested level crossings are set to go at Edithvale, Bonbeach and Seaford.
The level crossings at Bondi Road in Bonbeach and Edithvale Road in Edithvale will be removed by lowering the rail line under the road, and new stations will be built at Bonbeach and Edithvale.
At Seaford Road in Seaford, the level crossing will be removed using a new hybrid design that will lower Seaford Road by around 1.5m with the rail line built onto a planted embankment. This design reduces impacts on the surrounding environment compared with a trench.
A trench would have a greater effect on groundwater levels, causing impacts to Kananook Creek and the nearby Ramsar-listed Edithvale-Seaford wetlands.
The Seaford Level Crossing Removal Project also includes $10 million to revitalise the Seaford community with extensive landscaping, a new shared walking and cycling path, and huge upgrades to R.F Miles Reserve, which is used by a number of local sports clubs.
An Environment Effects Statement (EES) referral is necessary for the Bonbeach and Edithvale projects, and both will be referred to the Minister for Planning to make a determination. An EES is a detailed planning assessment and could take 12 to 18 months to complete, if required.
Work at Seaford has been fast-tracked, with construction to start next year.