Works to build the new road bridge at the Old Calder Highway level crossing are ramping up, with a section of Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road closed to traffic to build a new roundabout.
The road bridge from Old Calder Highway will take traffic across the rail line at Stan Payne Reserve and connect to the new intersection at Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, with the dangerous and congested level crossing gone for good.
Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road will remain closed between Pepper Close and Welcome Road until Monday 14 April to allow crew to install kerbing, resurface the road and build the new roundabout.
Building a roundabout will ensure safer and smoother traffic flow across the bridge and into the heart of Diggers Rest.
Meanwhile, work has continued on preparing the bridge for surfacing works. The bridge includes a raised cycling path for better access across the rail corridor for cyclists.
At nearby Watsons Road, crews have been busy building the retaining wall for the new road bridge, which will include separated pedestrian access and future proof the road bridge for new developments north of Diggers Rest.
More than 8000 vehicles use the two level crossings every day, facing delays of up to 36 minutes when 27 trains travel through the crossings during the morning peak.
Getting rid of these level crossings will bring the Sunbury Line one step closer to being level crossing free in 2025, with train passengers able to access 5 new underground stations when the Metro Tunnel opens this year.
