It’s official – preliminary works to remove the Cherry Street and Werribee level crossings have begun as the state government puts the works out to tender.
Drilling and other geotechnical investigations began on the two level crossings last week, and will continue during the next month to determine specific conditions and groundwater levels.
The results will help determine which of the five design options currently on the table would be best for each level crossing, these being:
• 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.
• Moving the rail line.
The Werribee crossings are on a priority list of 50 dangerous crossings to be removed.
Yesterday, the state government put the two crossings out to tender as part of a “western” package, which also includes removing level crossings at Williamstown and Laverton.
The timing of their removal will be determined by the successful bidder, who will set the priority for removing the six crossings as part of the tender process.
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. 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.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said the removals would reduce traffic congestion and enable more trains to use the line.
“We’ll consult with the community soon,” he said.
