Elsie Lange
The coldest months of the year are set to be the busiest for crews working on Victoria’s transport network.
A statement from the Victorian government said its Big Build was “racing towards the target of removing 85 level crossings by 2025”, with planned works on 17 rail lines and 15 level crossings.
“Sunbury’s worst bottleneck is set to be removed with a new rail bridge and road underpass to be built at Gap Road,” the government said.
“From May 30, the road will close for four months, and buses will replace trains on the Sunbury Line from June 3 to 29.”
Roads and Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the government “always” tried to minimise disruption and thanked Victorians for their patience.
Despite this, residents have contacted Star Weekly with concerns about the traffic and transport issues to come since the upgrade’s associated closures were announced.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the government was “supporting thousands of jobs and delivering the projects [the government] promised”.
“We encourage Victorians travelling over winter to plan ahead as we deliver the projects our growing city and state needs,” Ms Allan said.
In late March, Tyrepower owner Frank Buffone told Star Weekly the closure of Gap Road for the works was a “massive” concern for his shop on the corner of Evans and Station streets, because it would impede customers from getting to his store.
Sunbury Forty Winks owner Siobhan McGrory also told Star Weekly in March that the road closure was the final straw which would bring about the closure of her business, due to ongoing works in the town.
At the time, a Rail Projects Victoria spokesperson said they were working closely with traders, Hume council and the Sunbury Business Association to limit disruption to businesses while they complete the “much-needed” project.
“Works to remove the dangerous and congested Gap Road level crossing will be completed later this year, making Sunbury safer and more connected, and boosting opportunity for people and businesses in Melbourne’s growing north west,” the spokesperson said.
