By Oliver Lees
Sunbury residents can expect a construction blitz as work to remove the Gap Road level crossing and car park construction get set to start.
Gap Road will be closed to traffic next month as digging starts for the crossing removal and construction of a new road underpass.
Works on a carpark next to Sunbury station will also begin later this year to make room for 300 commuter parking spaces and 200 spaces for shoppers and traders.
Cr Jack Medcraft said although the works will create some congestion, ultimately they will benefit the community.
“It’s going to create havoc for a short term, but people will be happy to avoid the boom gates once it’s done,” Cr Medcraft said.
“Sometimes you can be stuck [at the level crossing] for more than five minutes waiting for trains to pass.”
From July 5, one westbound traffic lane, bike lane and pedestrian path will be closed on Gap Road between Evans and Horne streets.
According to Victorian government data, about 19,000 vehicles pass through the crossing each day, with that number expected to rise to 27,000 by 2026.
The data states that the level crossing can disrupt traffic for more than 25 per cent of the morning peak hour period.
The level crossing removal project is part of the state government’s Sunbury Line Upgrade which intends to expand transport capacity across the state in anticipation of the Metro Tunnel.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said these works will clear the road to prepare for major construction work.
“We’re working to reduce the overall disruption and keep traffic moving through Sunbury as much as possible,” Ms Allan said.
Meanwhile the tender process for construction of a multi-deck carpark will open soon with construction expected to start in the second half of the year.
Member for Sunbury Josh Bull said it was an important step to meet the needs of the community.
“Improving car parking capacity at Sunbury station is crucial to servicing this thriving local community and I look forward to seeing works starting on these upgrades later this year,” Mr Bull said.
Buses will replace trains along the Sunbury line from 9pm Friday, July 2 to Thursday, July 8 for 24-hour works on the upgrade, including installation of new overhead power line structures and platform upgrades.
