Five design options are being considered as part of preliminary works to remove the level crossings at Cherry and Werribee streets.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority announced this week that early site investigations would start at both Werribee crossing sites from next month.
The five options being explored are:
•Lowering the rail under the roads;
•Building a rail bridge over the roads;
•Lowering the roads under the rail line;
•Building road bridges over the rail line; and
•Moving the rail line.
The level crossings have been identified as among the 50 most dangerous crossings in Victoria earmarked for removal.
Data from the Level Crossing Removal Agency reveals up to 20,000 vehicles a day pass through each crossing.
The boom gates at Cherry Street are down for 26 per cent of the morning peak while at Werribee Street, the gates are down for 23 per cent of the peak period.
It is anticipated the Cherry and Werribee street crossings will both be removed by 2022.
Wyndham council’s roads and transport portfolio holder Glenn Goodfellow said it was great that works on the removal had started, but it was important that the community was properly consulted during the process.
Referring to the controversial sky rail project on the Cranbourne-Pakenham line, Cr Goodfellow urged the state government to work with the council and residents to reach the best outcome.
Geotechnical investigations, “service proving” and environmental and cultural heritage studies will be carried out as part of preliminary works.
The geotechnical investigations will involve boreholes being drilled to determine ground conditions and ground water levels while service proving works will involve scans of footpaths, nature strips and roads to identify the depth of underground services such as electrical, telecommunications and gas.
Site investigation work is expected to be carried out during the day to minimise disruption but the authority said some work may require temporary lane closures on both streets.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas welcomed the start of the works.
“This early engineering assessment will ensure that appropriate planning and community consultation will maximise the benefits to the Werribee community, whilst minimising disruption and delivering value for money for the community,” he said.
Design options will be presented to the community and feedback sought at a later date.
