Updated designs have been released for the removal of 2 dangerous and congested level crossings and construction of a new station at Ringwood East in one of the biggest transport infrastructure upgrades for the suburb.
Both level crossings will be removed by building rail trenches, which will carry trains under Bedford Road and Dublin Road, easing congestion for drivers and creating safer pedestrian and cycling links.
The updated designs have been released following community consultation earlier this year, and include an additional entrance to the new Ringwood East Station as well car parking closer to the station precinct to make catching the train easier for passengers.
The station architecture has also been designed to complement the local village feel of Ringwood East, including landscaping works that will prioritise native plants, shrubs and trees.
The station will also include new lifts, stairs, lighting, upgraded pedestrian and cycling paths in the area, as well as 460 upgraded commuter car parks.
At Bedford Road, a new walking and cycling path has been added to the design, connecting the 19.2km Heathmont Rail Trail to Bedford Park alongside the Belgrave rail line.
Construction to remove the level crossings will start early next year, with both sets of boom gates gone for good in 2025.
Improving safety in Ringwood
The project will make Ringwood level crossing free, paving the way for more services, more often on the Lilydale and Belgrave lines.
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 – removing them will mean ease congestion and make roads safer for local drivers.
In total, 12 level crossings are being removed on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines, making the Lilydale Line level crossing free and the Belgrave Line level crossing free from the city to Ferntree Gully by 2025, changing the way people live, work and travel.
