The wheels are in motion for the removal of two Werribee level crossings.
The crossings at Cherry and Werribee streets are among 50 across the state that will be removed by 2022.
Though five years remain until the crossings will be gone, two consortiums are bidding for a “package deal” to remove five of the crossings in the west – including the two in Werribee. The contract will be awarded mid-year.
The Level Crossing Removal Agency has undertaken geotechnical investigations (to understand ground conditions) and field surveys (to locate underground utilities and identify areas of environmental and cultural significance).
The five design options currently on the table are:
•Lowering the rail line 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.
Level Crossing Removal Authority project director Tony Hedley said the Werribee crossings were some of the worst in Melbourne, with about 20,000 vehicles using them daily.
“We’re removing these relics of the past to improve safety and traffic flow,” Mr Hedley said.
“We will continue to consult the community as the project progresses.”
