WATCH: The Andrews Government in Victoria has released a video detailing the works to be undertaken at the first four level crossings to be removed by the new government.
As part of a long-term plan to remove the state’s 50 ‘worst’ railway level crossings, the Andrews Government has announced funding to remove 20 in its first term.
17 of those level crossings have been named, and on Tuesday, Andrews announced the winning contractor – a consortium of John Holland and KBR – to remove the first four.
As he has in the past, Andrews (or perhaps an assistant working under Andrews’ moniker) answered questions on popular community site Reddit about the plans.
“Removing level crossings can speed up trains, particularly at crossings like Burke Road where speed restrictions apply when train tracks cross tram tracks,” Andrews told one user, who was concerned the projects might only improve road services.
“[A level crossing] normally reduces the speed of trains to less than 30km/h (e.g. Burke Road is 15km/h).
“Other benefits include the ability to run more frequent train services, as well as more reliable services that won’t be impacted by level crossings being damaged (e.g. damage to level crossing equipment by traffic is relatively common). It also means delays to Burke Road trams will be reduced.
“Also, in case you missed it,” he added, “Budget 2015/16 provides $55.6m for Stage 1 of Victoria’s first trial of High-Capacity Signalling.”
The high capacity signalling project is expected to significantly boost the Melbourne rail network’s peak capacity.