Yarraville in Melbourne is set to become boom gate free by 2029, with a new pedestrian and cyclist underpass built to maintain connection either side of the rail line.
The Victorian Government said Anderson Street is one of the most dangerous level crossings on Melbourne’s rail network, registering one fatality and four serious injuries since 2006. There have also been a further 26 near misses involving trains, pedestrians and vehicles since 2016.
Boom gates can be down for almost half the morning peak as up to 50 trains travel through the crossing, causing congestion and delays for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
As part of early planning for the level crossing removal, the local community has been invited to give feedback via Engage Victoria on how they move around the area and what’s important to them. This will help to shape the designs for the new underpass.
Expert assessments determined closing the level crossing is the best design solution for Yarraville due to the narrow rail corridor and densely developed area.
The government said it also provides opportunities to enhance the Yarraville Village, making the precinct “quicker, safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around”, with no more waiting at the boom gates.
Vehicles travelling to Yarraville Village from the west will be able to cross the rail line via nearby Somerville Road and Francis Street.
Five level crossings are being removed in Melbourne’s inner-west, at Newport, Altona, Spotswood and Yarraville.
As part of Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Project, 110 “dangerous and congested” level crossings are being replaced by 2030, with 87 already gone.
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