Liam McNally
Diggers Rest advocacy group DREAM has launched a petition seeking public support to close the Old Calder Highway level crossing in 2025, so that the state government has more time to reconsider routes for the proposed bridge that will replace it.
The government announced in September the path for the bridge that will replace the level crossing at Old Calder Highway – the road will be diverted west over the rail line south of Stan Payne Reserve, before turning north to connect with Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, between Pepper Close and Welcome Road.
The route has been met with concern from a number of Diggers Rest residents due to the current proposed path including compulsory acquisition of private property, increased noise and traffic flow in a growing area.
The bridge was originally scheduled for completion in 2026, but has been fast tracked for a 2025 delivery.
DREAM would like to see the government return to the original schedule so that other routes may be considered, and have launched a petition to garner public support for the crossing closing for 12 months and having a detour in place to allow for this.
Group member John Verdon said if the bridge goes ahead in its current form the community has grave concerns over the safety and division it is likely to create in the suburb.
“To ensure the best long term outcome for the safety of our residents we want to provide an opportunity for the government to have its initial extended deadline for completion of the road bridge to be available,“ he said.
“Given the need to have the city loop and fast trains operational this will require the crossing to be closed in 2025. We seek to petition support to have the crossing closed in 2025 and the completion of the proposed road bridge complete as per the initial deadline in 2026.
“The intention would then be to pursue what other reasonable compromises can be made to get a safer and more long term traffic solution in place for our community. This might include extending the road bridge a further 220 metres through other land parcels that required more investigation prior to a solution being put up as viable.”
The petition had 212 signatures at the time of writing.
An LXRP spokesperson said the authority has removed 72 level crossings across Melbourne.
“As we do with every project, we always consider the full range of solutions and have found that a road bridge is the best solution to remove both Diggers Rest level crossings,“ they said.
“This provides safer access for all road users, while minimising disruption to the local community and impacts on essential services.
“We have just four more level crossings to make the Sunbury Line level crossing free to prepare for the Metro Tunnel opening in 2025, when we’ll be able to provide more trains more often for people living in Melbourne’s north.“
