Vaile and Pallas hail start of Dynon grade separation

<p>A rare show of federal-state civility broke out in the port of Melbourne this morning (Friday, August 17) during a ceremony to mark the start of the Dynon Port Rail Link. </p> <p>Federal transport minister Mark Vaile and State roads and ports minister Tim Pallas were on hand for the sod-turning &#8211 an exercise one of those present described as uncommon these days.</p> <p>Remarkably, only two truck drivers of the dozens that passed by tooted, the first loud blast prompting Mr Vaile to say: &#8220You can see people are very excited about this.&#8221</p> <p>Each minister praised the effort of the other in getting the $116m project &#8211 $110m of which is federally funded &#8211 started.</p> <p>&#8220The initial $116m package of work being undertaken by Leighton Contractors involves building a six-lane bridge to carry Footscray Road over new rail tracks, eliminating the notorious traffic bottleneck caused by the current level crossing,&#8221 Mr Vaile said. </p> <p>&#8220Another two level crossings will also be removed at Enterprise and Appleton Dock roads.&#8221</p> <p>Mr Pallas confirmed traffic measures would be in place during the project, which is due to be finished in 2009.</p> <p>&#8220From October, traffic conditions on Footscray Road will be altered to allow for bridge construction works. </p> <p>&#8220Three traffic lanes will operate in each direction, and a concrete barrier will be placed along Footscray Road to separate traffic lanes until early 2009,&#8221 he said. </p> <p>&#8220For the safety of drivers and road construction workers, a 60 kmh speed limit will operate along the length of Footscray Road.&#8221 </p> <p>At the sidelines, Leighton Contractors southern region general manager admitted to <em>Lloyd’s List DCN</em> that the gradient on the road overpass was an issue for the trucking sector but that, given the competing interests involved, there was no option but to compromise on certain aspects of the project.</p> <br />