Major construction work is underway to remove another Melbourne level crossing – this time on Buckley Street in the city’s inner north west.
A new road underpass is to be built to separate road traffic from the Craigieburn train line, which will pass overhead. Heritage-listed Essendon Station will be preserved.
On a key road connecting Keilor and Avondale Heights in the west with Mount Alexander Road in the east, the Buckley Street level crossing causes significant traffic congestion, with boom gates down for an average of 78 minutes during the morning peak.
To enable construction workers to build the foundations and retaining walls for the underpass, Buckley Street will close between Mt Alexander Road and Violet Street between 8-11 June, and again between 21 June to 6 July. Between 8-10 June and 21-27 June, buses will replace trains between North Melbourne and Broadmeadows.
“We’re not wasting a minute getting rid of this relic of the past – making this local community safer and providing better access to local businesses and schools,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
“We thank the local community for their patience while we get on with these vital works – the result will be worth it.”
Along with the removal of the level crossing, new footpaths are to be built to Essendon Station, eliminating the need to cross busy Buckley Street and thus improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The level crossing removal works are expected to be complete by late 2018.