By Jessica Micallef
The first concept design for the new look Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury has been released.
Gap Road will be lowered under the rail line to preserve the character of the heritage-listed Sunbury station.
Construction on the project was brought forward to begin this year, with the level crossing expected to be removed by late 2022, and the remaining works completed in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 completion date.
About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Gap Road level crossing each day, with the number expected to reach 27,000 in 2026, according to state government data.
A three-week community consultation period was held in November last year, for the public to provide feedback on the design, landscaping and public artworks for the new level crossing.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said more than 170 residents contributed to the preliminary design.
“I am very excited to share with you the design progress of the level crossing at Gap Road in Sunbury,” he said.
“The level crossing will be gone for good by the end of 2022, with a road under rail design as promised.
“This year we will see site investigations continuing as well as some early works, with the majority of major construction towards the end of 2022.”
The level crossing removal is being delivered in conjunction with the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, which includes platform extensions, train stabling modifications and rail track power upgrades at Sunbury station to enable bigger and more modern trains to run on the line.
The line is expected to transport up to 113,000 passengers in peak hours every week when the Metro Tunnel is open.
“We promised to remove this crossing by 2025, but this vital project has been fast tracked to synchronise works between the level crossing removal and the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade,” Mr Bull said.
“It means we will only need to close the line for an extended period of time once, rather than twice, resulting in less disruption and a level crossing-free Sunbury three years ahead of schedule.
“This is a critical project that will improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of our community and it is time to get it done.”
The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth crossing removed on the Sunbury line and is one of 75 “dangerous and congested” level crossings in Melbourne to be gone by 2025.
