Diggers Rest is one step closer to being level crossing-free, with piling works on a new road bridge now complete.
The foundations have been laid for a road bridge at Watsons Road, where crews used a 65-tonne piling rig to dig seven piles that will form its foundations.
Construction on both the eastern and western retaining walls for the bridge is continuing.
The bridge will include separated pedestrian access and has been designed to account 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 allow vehicles – and cyclists via a separated bike path – to traverse 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 removed this year, making the Sunbury Line level crossing free and aiming to improve safety and reduce congestion in the heart of Diggers Rest.
More than 8000 vehicles use the two Diggers Rest level crossings each day, facing delays of up to 36 minutes when 27 trains travel through the crossings during the morning peak, according to the state government.
