Construction is ramping up to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Ruthven Street level crossing.
The level crossing will be removed by building a rail bridge over the road, boosting safety and easing congestion for the 12,600 vehicles that use the crossing every day, facing frustrating delays when the boom gates are down for 30 minutes in the morning peak alone.
Over the coming months, crews will start building foundations and infrastructure for the new rail bridge and install underground services.
The level crossing will be removed and the new rail bridge will open in 2027, along with a new signalised and raised pedestrian crossing near the rail bridge to help people to safely cross Ruthven Street, a new community space in Rosanna Parklands and a walking and cycling path along Ellesmere Parade.
Reflecting the community's preference for native and indigenous plantings, the project area will include a mix of 25,000 new trees, shrubs, flowering plants, grasses and groundcovers that will support wildlife habitat, improve visual amenity and help to screen the rail corridor.
The community can now view the landscaping plans and provide feedback, including preferred plant species and opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on the Engage Victoria website until 11.59pm Sunday 18 October.
The project will also upgrade nearby Macleod Park oval, which will be used as a support area during construction, with crews setting up site sheds and offices. Following construction, the oval will be upgraded with new drainage and irrigation systems, natural turf and a new cricket pitch, creating improved sporting facilities for the community.
The project team is working closely with the Macleod Junior Football Club, Macleod Cricket Club and Banyule City Council to support the clubs to temporarily relocate to other local grounds during construction.
As works progress, crews will work around the clock at times in the rail corridor at Macleod and Rosanna, with buses replacing trains on sections of the Hurstbridge Line across three weekends in October. For more information and to plan your journey visit Transport Victoria.
