Over a billion dollars’ worth of level crossings could be removed under a pair of contracts awarded by the Victorian Government on May 4, and more have been put to market.
Public transport minister Jacinta Allan announced the two deals, which could lead to as many as 12 level crossing removals throughout the greater Melbourne region.
An alliance led by McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott McDonald won one deal, which could be for as many as six level crossing removals.
Another potential six-crossing deal was won by an alliance of John Holland and KBR.
The McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott McDonald team will start off with the removal of the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing at Williamstown North, in Melbourne’s south-west.
The initial deal also covers the duplication of part of the Altona Loop.
If that alliance meets “strict performance measures” on the first crossing, it will be progressively rewarded with five more level crossing removal deals:
- Abbotts Road in Dandenong South
- Aviation Road in Laverton
- Ferguson Street in Williamstown
- Cherry Street in Werribee
- Werribee Street in Werribee
McConnell Dowell’s Australian managing director Jim Frith said the alliance would work closely with stakeholders and the local community throughout the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing removal.
“We are very pleased to be working with our project partners, the Level Crossing Removal Authority, and MTM to remove this level crossing and enhance safety and reduce congestion for residents and commuters,” Frith said.
The other Alliance, between John Holland and KBR, has been awarded the contract for the North-West Program.
This deal will see the removal of the Camp Road level crossing in Campbellfield, followed by Skye/Overton Road in Frankston, and Buckley Street in Essendon.
All three projects will begin this year, with boom gates to go by the end of 2018.
If this alliance meets its benchmarks, it will be rewarded with the contract to remove crossings at:
- Glenroy Road in Glenroy
- Bell Street in Coburg
- Moreland Road in Brunswick
Minister Allan said the pair of major level crossing deals were the continuation of the mammoth level crossing removal program being undertaken by the Andrews Government.
“No Government has ever removed this many level crossings, this quickly,” Allan said.
“We’re ahead of schedule and we’re not slowing down – work is underway all over Melbourne removing these congested death traps.
“Our unprecedented investment will reduce congestion, improve public transport and save lives – and create thousands of jobs along the way.”
Allan also announced the release of the Frankston line level crossing removals to market.
The project will remove eight crossings on the Frankston line, following on from crossings in Bentleigh, McKinnon and Ormond, which are already removed.