Level Crossing Removals Progress

[Roderick Smith]

Roderick.

Union stops Sunbury rail projects to back 18 per cent pay increase.
Herald Sun October 9, 2016.
EIGHT stations on the Sunbury line could be shut longer than expected with works on level crossings being delayed by union action.
The line between Sunshine Station and Sunbury Station was closed on October 5 and is set to reopen on October 31.
But the Herald Sun understands works are behind schedule with organisers from the CFMEU attending the level crossing removal sites and telling workers to down tools.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said work was still on track for the trains to return on October 31 and “we’ll continue working closely with the contractors to resolve issues that may arise”.
Works on the $1.3 billion CityLink Tulla Widening have also been targeted by union organisers, with police officers attending that site last week.
The CFMEU is currently in a dispute with the contractor on both projects, CPB, which has refused to sign up to the union’s new enterprise agreement including 18 per cent pay rises over four years.
Industry watchdog Fair Work Building and Construction has launched an investigation into the union’s actions on both projects.
“We are aware of a series of potential breaches of the Fair Work Act that have taken place over the last three weeks at the St Albans level crossing removal project and the Citylink Tullamarine widening project,” FWBC director Nigel Hadgkiss said.
“I can confirm that FWBC is currently running active investigations relating to these matters and as such, I can provide no further comment at this stage.”
Senior sources involved in the level crossings project saidthe union’s actions had put work behind schedule and there was a risk the line would remain closed past the October 30 deadline.
It is understood CFMEU organisers have attended both sites over the past three weeks and forced work to stop.
The allegations include union organisers telling workers to stop work and accusing subcontractors of being hired illegitimately.
The project includes the removal of the Main Rd crossing in St Albans, known as Victoria’s deadliest level crossing.
Meanwhile, work on the CityLink Tulla Widening project has also be been impacted by the disruptions.
Victoria Police spokesman Leading Senior Constable Adam West said police were called to a worksite in Strathmore last Thursday night as a male was on site without proper accreditation.
“Police attended and the man left peacefully,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Robert Clark said: “Yet again, Daniel Andrews’ friends at the CFMEU are using standover tactics and threats to delay vital community projects and drive up building costs.”
A spokesman for the CFMEU declined to comment.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victor ... 2386f31d21

[Craig]

Sydenham Level Crossing Removal To Start This Summer
Minister for Public Transport

20 November 2016

Removal of the dangerous and congested level crossing on Melton Highway in Sydenham will start this summer.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today joined Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins to announce BMD Constructions will build the road bridge over the Sunbury/Bendigo line, removing the crossing forever.

The $46 million Andrews Labor Government project will also widen Melton Highway to three lanes improving traffic flow and reducing congestion even further.

The level crossing on Melton Highway is one of Victoria’s worst, with boom gates down for nearly a quarter of the morning peak.

Removing it will reduce congestion for the 38,000 vehicles that use it every day and pave the way for a massive job-creating expansion of Watergardens Town Centre.

The project design includes a new two-way slip lane on the northern side of the highway, with a signalised intersection at Overton Lea Boulevard, to provide access to Victoria Road and Sydenham Road.

By raising the road, the project will also create better walking and cycling paths, and new community open space – something that came through strongly in community consultation earlier in the year.

Construction on the project will be underway by February next year, and is expected to be complete by late 2018.

The Labor Government is getting on with removing 50 of Victoria’s worst level crossings – six are already gone, construction is underway at a further 13 and work will start on four more next year, including at Melton Highway.

For more information visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“The dangerous and congested level crossing on Melton Highway clogs traffic, holds back our train system and puts lives at risk. We’re putting people first and getting rid of it – and work starts this summer.”

“Our unprecedented removal of level crossings is making a real difference to people’s lives – reducing congestion, improving safety and creating thousands of jobs for people all over Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins

“The project will remove the level crossings, expand Melton Highway and build new cycling and walking paths – better connecting people in my community to work, education and each other.”

“My community has been fighting to see this dangerous and congested level crossing removed, and after years of delay and excuses under the former Liberal Government, we are listening, acting and putting people first.”

Kind Regards


Craig

[system improver]

Two definitions of "spin":
1. Labor delivering on its election promises e.g. 2014 election: level crossing removals, Melbourne Metro, no east west link, Southland Station and rail to Mernda.
2. Liberals not delivering on election promises e.g. 2010 election: rail links to Rowville, Doncaster and Avalon, Melbourne Metro (original plan before land was miraculously rezoned in "Fisherman's Bend" for Liberal Party donors), $13 million Southland Station, rail to Mernda and NO east west road.

[Craig]

Some recent news items regarding the LXRA program, including several issued in the last 48 hours.

Putting People First: Labor’s Seventh Level Crossing Gone
Minister for Public Transport
22 November 2016

The Scoresby Road level crossing in Bayswater is gone – the seventh removed by the Andrews Labor Government.

In less than two years, the Labor Government has removed as many crossings as were removed in the 10 years prior to it coming to office.

Scoresby Road re-opened yesterday after being closed for nearly three weeks. The closure was part of a two-month construction blitz that will also remove the Mountain Highway crossing and rebuild Bayswater Station.

Buses are currently replacing trains between Belgrave and Ringwood while 63,000 cubic metres of soil and rock – equal to 25 Olympic-size swimming pools – is excavated to lower the rail line under the road.

Mountain Highway has now closed and is due to reopen without boom gates on 23 December, meaning eight level crossings will be history by Christmas.

Once the construction blitz at Bayswater is complete, work will ramp up on the removal of the Blackburn and Heatherdale Road level crossings further down the line.

From 27 December 2016 to 29 January 2017, buses will replace trains between Box Hill and Ringwood while construction crews lower the rail line, upgrade Blackburn Station and build a new Heatherdale Station.

The Labor Government is not wasting a moment removing 50 of Victoria’s most dangerous and congested level crossings.

Seven are now gone, work is underway at a further 14, and four more level crossing removals will start next year. By the end of 2018, 37 level crossing removals will be either finished or underway.

For more information about the Bayswater project, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au. For up-to-date travel information and to plan your journey, visit roads.vic.gov.au and ptv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minster for Public Transport Jacinta Allan:
“We’re putting people first, getting rid of these dangerous and congested chokepoints that clog our streets, hold back our train system and put lives at risk.”
“Before we came to Government, only seven level crossings had been removed in the previous decade. We’ve removed that many in less than two years, and work is underway at more than a dozen other crossings.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane:
“This massive project is creating hundreds of jobs and making Bayswater a better place to live, work and visit.”
“We’ve removed the Scoresby Road level crossing, the Mountain Highway crossing will be gone by Christmas and by the end of summer, 10 of Victoria’s worst level crossings will be gone forever.”

Removing Crossings, Saving Lives And Putting People First
Minister for Public Transport
Premier
28 November 2016
Transport
Media Release

The Andrews Labor Government is putting people first and removing dangerous level crossings across Melbourne, including at Main Road in St Albans where 16 people have tragically lost their lives.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined local Member Natalie Suleyman and local resident Dianne Dejanovic to mark the reopening of Main Road without boom gates for the first time.

Ms Dejanovic’s son Christian was killed at Main Road level crossing in 2012. A memorial will be installed in the forecourt of the new St Albans Station to honour his life, and the lives of others killed at level crossings in Victoria.

Main Road level crossing was Victoria’s most dangerous. There have been two deaths and more than 60 near misses at the crossing in the past decade alone – more than any other, anywhere else in the state.

It was also one of the most congested crossings in Victoria – the boom gates were down for more than an hour in the two-hour morning peak, causing delays and frustration for motorists, cyclists and the entire community.

The project to remove the level crossings at both Main and Furlong Roads in St Albans involved 600 staff working over 176,000 hours to excavate 18 Olympic swimming pools-worth of soil and rock to lower the rail line.

The Labor Government has now removed seven level crossings in less than two years – more than were removed in the entire decade before they came to office. Work is underway at a further 13, and four more will begin next year. By the end of 2018, 37 level crossing removals will be finished or underway.

On top of reducing congestion, increasing safety and improving public transport, the level crossing removal project is creating thousands of local jobs. For more information, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“There have been too many deaths, too much trauma and too many families torn apart by level crossings. We’re putting people first and removing these crossings for good.”
“The memorial will recognise the price the Dejanovic family and countless others have paid, and serve as a reminder of why getting rid of these crossings is so important, and why we haven’t got a moment to waste.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“This vital project is saving lives and getting people home safer and sooner to their families. It’s an investment in people, and we’re getting it done.”

Quotes attributable to Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
“St Albans will never be the same – two dangerous level crossings are gone and the lives they claimed will forever be remembered at the new station. This is what it means to put people first.”

Brand New Bayswater Station Now Taking Passengers
Minister for Public Transport

12 December 2016
Transport
Eastern Metropolitan Region
Media Release

The brand new Bayswater station built by the Andrews Labor Government is now taking passengers.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane at Bayswater Station today to celebrate the official opening, following a massive 37 day construction blitz.

For more than five weeks, hundreds of staff have worked around the clock excavating 25 Olympic swimming pools-worth of soil to lower the rail line so trains can run safely under Scoresby Road and Mountain Highway.

The Scoresby Road level crossing is now gone and Mountain Highway will reopen without boom gates just before Christmas.

These level crossings were among Victoria’s worst. Both boom gates were down for around a quarter of the morning peak, causing frustration, disruption and delay for thousands of motorists. They were also dangerous, with two accidents and countless near misses in the past decade alone.

Once work is complete in Bayswater, construction crews will turn their attention to the removal of the Blackburn Road and Heatherdale Road crossings in Melbourne’s inner-east.

From 27 December 2016 to 5 February 2017, buses will replace trains between Box Hill and Ringwood stations while construction crews lower the rail line, upgrade Blackburn Station and build a new Heatherdale Station.

When this work is complete, four dangerous crossings on the Belgrave/Lilydale line will be gone and the upgraded stations will be open. Finishing works – including car parks and landscaping – will continue throughout 2017.

The Labor Government has already removed seven level crossings, a further 13 are underway, and six more removals will start next year. By the end of 2018, 37 level crossing removals will be either finished or underway.

For more information on the road and rail closures, and to plan your journey, visit roads.vic.gov.au or ptv.vic.gov.au. For more details about the Labor Government’s plans to reduce congestion, increase safety, improve public transport and create thousands of jobs by removing level crossings, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan:
“One level crossing is gone, the new station is open and the other crossing will be gone by Christmas. We’re not wasting a moment making Bayswater better.”
“Bayswater is the seventh new station we’ve built as part of the level crossing removal project, which is not only reducing congestion and increasing safety, it’s also improving public transport for people across Melbourne.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane:
“We promised to put people in Bayswater first and we’re keeping that promise – removing these dangerous level crossings and building a brand new station.”
“I want to thank passengers, motorists and locals for their patience while we make Bayswater a better place to live, work and visit.”

Six week construction blitz to remove Blackburn and Heatherdale Road level crossings
12 December 2016

A six-week construction blitz will kick off after Christmas to remove two dangerous level crossings at Blackburn and Heatherdale Roads in Melbourne's east.

Level Crossing Removal Authority CEO Kevin Devlin said the removal of these level crossings will mean ten level crossings have been removed in the past 12 months – more than in the previous decade.

"We've recently removed level crossings on the Frankston and Sunbury lines – now it's the Belgrave/Lilydale line's turn, with these crossings to be gone by the end of summer," Mr Devlin said.

"Our team will be working around the clock to lower the rail line under both Blackburn and Heatherdale Roads, continue work on the new Heatherdale Station, and start work on the Blackburn Station precinct."

Over the summer period:
More than 80 Olympic swimming pools worth of soil and rock will be excavated to lower the rail line under both Blackburn and Heatherdale Roads
New tracks will be laid, along with signalling and overhead wires
Work on the new Heatherdale Station will continue, and the upgrade of Blackburn will begin
Two new pedestrian bridges will be built over the rail line at Cottage Street in Blackburn and Purches Street in Mitcham.

To get this huge amount of work done, buses will replace trains from 27 December to 5 February – a week longer than originally planned.

"We've reviewed our summer program and will need a few extra days to get the work done," Mr Devlin said.

"We've completed a number of construction campaigns now. We've learned from these and re-assessed our schedule to ensure the works can be completed safely and efficiently, especially in the hot summer months."

When the rail line reopens on 6 February, trains will begin running under Blackburn and Heatherdale Roads for the first time, and the brand new Heatherdale Station will open.

Works will continue around both the Heatherdale and Blackburn station precincts to complete landscaping, station facilities and car parks. The project is on track for full completion by mid-2017.

Shortlist for more than $1 billion crossing removals
12 December 2016

Some of Australia's biggest construction companies have been shortlisted to get rid of 11 more level crossings in Melbourne.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today announced the shortlisted bidders for two massive packages of level crossing removals.

A joint venture of John Holland and KBR, and a joint venture of CPB Contractors and Aurecon, have been short-listed for the North West Program Alliance.

The successful bidder will remove dangerous and congested level crossings at Camp Road in Campbellfield and Buckley Street in Essendon, with work to start next year.

Under the Program Alliance model, if these removals are delivered well, the successful bidder will retain the contract to remove more – at Glenroy Road in Glenroy, Bell Street in Coburg and Moreland Road in Brunswick.

A joint venture of McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott McDonald, and a joint venture of Coleman Rail, Seymour Whyte and Arcadis Australia have been short-listed for the Western Program Alliance.

This Alliance will remove the Abbotts Road level crossing in Dandenong South and the Kororoit Creek Road crossing in Williamstown North, as well as duplicating part of the Altona Loop to boost the reliability of services.

If these projects are delivered effectively, the successful bidder will also remove the Aviation Road level crossing in Laverton, Ferguson Street crossing in Williamstown, and Cherry and Werribee Street crossings in Werribee.

The Program Alliance model – where successful bidders must meet strict performance measures to remove the other crossings – reduces procurement time, meaning the crossings are removed sooner.

It also provides a pipeline of work which enables constructors to build and maintain skilled workforces, better supporting local jobs and opportunities for apprentices, trainees and cadets.

Putting People First: Thompsons Road Upgrade Starts
Minister for Roads and Road Safety

12 December 2016
Transport
Media Release
South Eastern Metropolitan Region

The Andrews Labor Government has started construction of Stage 1 of the Thompsons Road Upgrade in Melbourne’s south east.

The $175 million upgrade will remove the level crossing on the Cranbourne line in Lyndhurst with a six lane bridge to be built over the railway line. Marriott Boulevard to the South Gippsland Highway will also be duplicated.

New paths and improved lighting for pedestrians and cyclists will be constructed, improving the connection to and from the Merinda Park train station.

Between Dandenong-Frankston Road and Berwick-Cranbourne (Clyde) Road there have been 156 reported accidents in the last 5 years – with 45 of those resulting in serious injury. The much-needed upgrade will improve safety in the area, helping to avoid accidents like these in future.

The Thompsons Road level crossing is one of Victoria’s worst. Removing it as part of the upgrade works will mean less congestion for the 19,000 vehicles who use the road each day.

New paths and improved lighting for pedestrians and cyclists will also be constructed, which will improve connection to and from the Merinda Park train station.

Stage 2 upgrade works will widen Thompsons Road from Dandenong-Frankston Road to Marriott Boulevard and from Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road to Berwick Cranbourne Road. Shortlisted applicants for this stage of works will be invited to tender in early 2017.

10km of new shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians will also be constructed along Thompsons Road, including 8.2km on the north side, and 1.5km on the south between Western Port Highway and Evans Road.

This first stage of the Thompsons Road upgrade will be completed by late 2018. The contract for construction for this second stage is expected to be awarded mid 2017, with the whole project completed by mid 2019.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“We’re putting people first and cutting travel times, boosting safety and supporting the South East’s growing population.”
“Thompsons Road is in the middle of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and this project is important to getting people to their daily destinations efficiently and safely.”

Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossing so people will no longer have to stop and wait for boom gates.”

Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“We’re widening Thompsons Road to provide relief for motorists that travel during the peak periods.”

Quote attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley
“We’re getting on with widening Thompsons Road so we can reduce the rat running down local roads to avoid the congestion.”

Open space ideas hub has launched
13 December 2016

The Caulfield to Dandenong Project includes three sections of elevated rail, which will create 225,000 square metres of community open space for new parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and a range of other uses.

A new Open Space Ideas Hub has been launched to gather feedback on this new open space. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape new parkland in Melbourne.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority would love to hear your creative ideas of how we can transform the Cranbourne - Pakenham rail corridor into an attractive and safe environment for Melburnians to enjoy, as well as what you think about some of the ideas the Community Open Space Expert Panel has generated.

The Open Space Ideas Hub is a place to join the conversation and will sit along online surveys to give community members a platform for discussing and generating ideas.

Your feedback will help enhance the proposed open space design and inform the Level Crossing Removal Authorities decision making. This opportunity doesn't happen often and it is important everyone has a say in how these new spaces will be used.

Join the conversation - https://your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ ... open-space

If you don't have access to a computer, phone 1800 762 667 and we can mail you out the latest survey.

You can also visit us at our Information Hub, 444 Neerim Road, Murrumbeena (Open Monday and Wednesday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, Thursday from 9.00am to 12 noon and 3.00pm to 7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm).

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

Major shutdown on Hurstbridge Line over the coming weekend as early works continue for the level crossing removal works at Alphington and Rosanna and line duplication at Heidelberg.

Buses will operate Clifton Hill to Watsonia (with trains Macleod - Hurstbridge) from Friday evening until last train Monday.

As Monday 24/4 is a working day (although some will be taking a 4-day weekend), there will also be an express shuttle route running Watsonia to Keon Park, connecting with South Morang line trains.

Details - http://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-w ... 21-24-apr/

Kind Regards


Craig

[Roderick Smith]

More level crossings to go across Melbourne as Daniel Andrews finds extra cash.
Herald Sun April 26, 2017.
EIGHT more dangerous and congested level crossings will be removed in Melbourne before next year’s state election, as part of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure spending blitz.
The Herald Sun can reveal next week’s state Budget will bring forward $846 million from the forward estimates to be splurged on new level crossing removals.
The Budget allocation could allow the government to go beyond its commitment to rid the state of 50 crossings over eight years.
The government had promised to remove 20 of the state’s deadliest level crossings in its first term of parliament, but the bringing forward of funds will result in 28 removals before next year’s election.
It will also mean 37 will be removed or in the process of removal by the election.
Level-crossing removal site in Bentleigh in Melbourne's southeastern suburbs. Picture: Aaron Francis Budget figures will reveal the government will spend almost $2 billion this financial year alone on removing dangerous crossings.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the pace of the removals had been better than expected and the government wanted to keep it up.
“We have set a cracking pace removing level crossings, and we won’t let it slow down,” Ms Allan said.
“It means less congestion, better public transport and safer streets, sooner — and it’s creating thousands of jobs.
“After years of excuses and wasted time — we’re getting on with it.”
Workers on site during the Level Crossing removal from Bayswater Road at Bayswater Station.
The funding boost comes after the government announced it would remove 10 level crossings on the Frankston line, two more than originally promised, at a cost of up to $2 billion.
Ten crossings have now been removed in Melbourne and a further 12 are in progress.
Heading into the 2014 election, then-opposition leader Daniel Andrews promised to remove 50 level crossings in his first two terms.
The government has faced intense public opposition over its decision to do this on the Dandenong line with elevated rail.
However, it is believed the government has assessed the level crossing removal blitz as one of its most popular policies and there is a strong appetite to eclipse the 50 removals commitment.
The pace of the removals and the bringing forward of funds could allow for the government to make more commitments in the coming budgets.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victor ... d50833e61c

[Roderick Smith]

Roderick.

Lack of tactile signs at Bayswater station crossing dangerous say blind couple.
Knox Leader June 15, 2017.
TEMPORARY warning markers will be installed this week at an unfinished Bayswater crossing where a blind couple found themselves inadvertently in the middle of the road.
Level Crossing Removal Authority project director Graeme Chambers said the pedestrian crossing, where Steve and Kylie Nicholls say they were lucky they weren’t hit by a car, wasn’t finished, as they had to order similar pavers from a “specialist supplier” to match the existing ones.
Mr Chambers said permanent tactile strips would be installed in coming weeks, but temporary strips would be installed this week “as a matter of priority”.
“We know how critical these textured navigation aids are for visually impaired people in the community and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” Mr Chambers said.
“We will lay temporary ones this week while our new pavers are on order.”
Mr and Mrs Nicholls were using the crossing in Station St outside Bayswater train station on Friday with their seeing-eye dogs, but didn’t realise they were crossing the road until they were halfway across.
Mr Nicholls said tactile markers — raised dots on the ground to warn of a crossing ahead — had been installed on the station side of the crossing, but not the other side.
He said the crossing was also level with the footpath, and there was no decline to warn blind people there was a crossing.
“Normally with a hazard like that you’d have tactile (markers) so a blind person can actually feel ‘OK there is danger there, I have to stop’,” Mr Nicholls said.
The Bayswater crossing where Kylie Nicholls and husband Steve crossed, without knowing it was the road. Picture: Lawrence Pinder
“We found ourselves out on the middle of the road and thank God there were no cars coming.
“I have a tiny bit of sight and … I looked down and saw white and realised I was at the crossing.
“Your heart starts racing and I thought ‘Don’t stop now, just keep going’.”
Mr Nicholls said he had contacted Knox Council four times over the past seven weeks about getting tactile markers installed.
Bayswater Station demolition.
He said at first the council said it was their responsibility, then he was told it was the Level Crossing Removal Authority.
“We need tactiles put in there immediately,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We were lucky we didn’t get hit by a car.”
Vision Australia has been contacted for comment.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/oute ... ccbe68f0b5

[Heihachi_73]

If a blind person gets hit by a car while in the middle of a zebra crossing (which is also on a speed hump), it is not the blind person, VicRoads or the council or Metro to blame.

[system improver]

The story is deliberately deceitful - no surprises there given the source. There are rarely tactiles on the road itself. They are on both sides of the crossing. We can see in the picture that they have been installed on the far side but not where the woman is standing. She says she looked down and saw "white" which means she was on the crossing. At that point she was in no more danger than if she had used tactiles to get there. The lack of tactiles means that possibly the person will cross other than at the designated crossing thus giving rise to greater danger. Of course, they need to be installed pronto. Alas, my observation has been that some - many - drivers these days ignore the crossing and drive straight through as if the person wasn't there - just like they do when they drive past a stationary tram. These are the crimes that need to be cracked down upon because they happen hundreds of times a day. I say 20 years, car crushed and $1million fine.

[Roderick Smith]

The arrogant LXRA has dug in with its useless design, because it can't cope with anything else. Much the same as it couldn't cope with trenching to Oakleigh, and covered itself with all sorts of specious excuses.
The council's design matches the geography, with provision for synergy at Moonee Ponds, then reversing the ~1905 Mt Alexander separation and providing better tram-train and bus-train interchange, then exploiting the drop to Glenbervie.

Roderick.

Buckley St level crossing: LXRA under fire as it admits traffic study not completed.
Moonee Valley Leader June 21, 2017.
•Political parties clash over Buckley St level crossing
•Road-under-rail a ‘done deal’ at crossing
•Design plans slammed by council
THE Level Crossing Removal Authority has been slammed for awarding contracts to remove the Buckley St level crossing before completing a traffic study.
The Moonee Valley Leader can confirm a traffic impact assessment is yet to be finished, despite contracts for the works being signed last month.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of the road-under-rail plan? Tell us below
The authority’s preferred road-under-rail option proposes reducing Buckley St from four lanes to three — two lanes heading east, and one west.
Acting Mayor Cam Nation questioned how the authority arrived at the proposal without having completed a traffic assessment.
The boom gates at Buckley St are down for more than half of morning peak time. Picture: Mark Wilson
“We are extremely concerned that the LXRA continues to insist ‘road-under-rail’ as the only acceptable solution, when it is clear they haven’t done groundwork to support this claim,” Cr Nation said.
“Why is the LXRA only now collecting detailed traffic data when they have already awarded the design contract for a road-under-rail option that involves the narrowing of Buckley St from four lanes to three?
“Why was the collection of this data not the starting point, before going out to the community, selecting a preferred design and awarding the contract?”
The authority’s web site shows studies had been conducted to identify how pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles use the area.
Level Crossing Removal Authority staff during the public consultation phase of the project in Essendon. Picture: Supplied
But LXRA project director Michael Caink confirmed a traffic study was yet to be completed.
“No, there is no single traffic management study available for public release,” Mr Caink said.
“We are building on significant and ongoing assessment to create a comprehensive picture of how traffic moves around the area, as we develop the detailed design for the project.
“We will continue to refine the project design for the road underpass based on factors including community feedback, traffic management studies, geotechnical findings and other technical work.”
An artist's impression of how the area will look when work is completed.
The recent installation of what appears to be traffic counting cameras near the Buckley St intersection fuelled speculation that a traffic study had not been completed.
The cameras have not been installed by the council.
Mr Caink said the LXRA will seek community feedback on improvements to public space and transport connections in the area.
He encouraged people to ask questions at the Essendon Info Hub at 20 Russell St, which opened last week, phone 1800 762 667, or email contact@levelcrossing.vic.gov.au
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/nort ... 595caecf12

[Roderick Smith]

At federal (IA) and state (lots in Victoria) Lib and Lab are equal for creating useless quangos, with impressive names, populated by people with no useful background.
This Mentone release is available online, full of spin.
Here is just an excerpt:
http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/crossi ... ad-mentone

Have the artist's impression to: doable here, but not Caulfield - Oakleigh.

Roderick.

[Roderick Smith]

As with others, the cheapest and nastiest with no futureproofing. Lower the railway would link in with lowering at Moonee Ponds, and with providing a proper bus & tram interchange, and with tinkering the track layout to be more useful for efficient operation of the line without destroying the heritage buildings. It is only the useless PTV/LXRA/TFV which bleat 'we can't lower unless we close the line for 2 years'.
Roderick.

May 21 2017 Level crossings: Hundreds rally against government's Essendon plan .
Hundreds of residents have rallied against the Andrews government's plan for Essendon as part of its $8 billion level crossing removal program.
But demands for a change to the government's Essendon plan have led the son of a pedestrian killed crossing Buckley Street to warn the level crossing is too dangerous to delay its removal.
pposition public transport spokesman David Hodgett speaks at the rally in Essendon. Photo: Daniel Pockett .
The state government has signed contracts for builders to remove the Buckley Street level crossing next to Essendon railway station.
Melbourne has 178 level crossings, and the crossing in Essendon, on the Craigieburn line, is one of 50 going. Buckley Street is to be lowered beneath the railway line.
Essendon locals rally against the government's plans for the Buckley Street level crossing. Photo: Daniel Pockett .
About 11,000 cars currently cross the tracks on Buckley Street daily.
But Moonee Valley Council, in a heavily politicised campaign targeting state Labor, is spending $50,000 fighting the plan.
It wants the government to instead lower the railway tracks from Moonee Ponds to Essendon.
This would remove three level crossings – those at Park and Puckle streets in Moonee Ponds would also go.
The government's plan for Essendon railway station and Buckley Street. Photo: LXRA .
The council's plan would likely see historic Essendon railway station, built in 1878, demolished or relocated.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said on Sunday the government had chosen the best option.
Protesters with signs produced as part of Moonee Valley Council's fight against the government. Photo: Daniel Pockett .
"Most people want the level crossing removed [and] road under allowed us not to touch the heritage station," he said.
He said digging a trench with a new railway station would have seen homes and businesses acquired.
Optometrist Graeme Wood opposes the government's plans for the level crossing removal. Photo: Daniel Pockett .
A report done for Moonee Valley Council in 2015 suggested a small number of properties might be bought by the government if tracks and platforms were built below ground.
Opposition Upper House MP Bernie Finn was at Sunday's protest. He said the government's Essendon plan would hurt the retail strip opposite the railway station because it would restrict cars in the area.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan announcement this month of the builders and engineers for the Buckley Street work enraged Moonee Valley councillors because virtually no detail had been made public.
"We ask questions but we don't get answers," said councillor Richard Lawrence at the protest on Sunday.
He said the government had signed the contract for the level crossing removal without releasing the detail. "The transparency just isn't there," he said.
Optometrist Graeme Wood was also at Sunday's protest. His business Wood and Associates has been opposite Essendon railway station for 35 years.
He said the government's plan would push several bus routes into his shopping strip and ultimately drive out 150 retail jobs.
Moonee Valley Council's well-organised fight to stop the government's level crossing plan has alarmed Jan Laczynski.
His father John died when he was hit by a car in February 1999 while crossing Buckley Street near the level crossing. He was 72.
"My father was pronounced dead on Buckley Street," Mr Laczynski said. "Both the ambulance and the police that attended were delayed by the boom gates being down. It wouldn't have made any difference, but it was certainly a sign of the problem."
Mr Laczynski said it was not certain his father would have lived if the level crossing had been gone.
But he said those protesting against the design for its removal had to recognise how dangerous the level crossing was.
Any delay because of their protests risked the level crossing staying for good, he said. "No one needs to get a death knock like me on the door – it's an awful thing. It stays with me forever," he said.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/level ... w9r16.html

170522M Melbourne 'Age' - Essendon. (LXRA).

[Roderick Smith]

October 6 2017 Government accused of running 'false and misleading' level crossing ads .
Labor has been accused of running a "false and misleading" advertising campaign about level crossings, because several on a list of 50 that it plans to remove are not truly among Melbourne's most congested.
The Andrews government has long claimed it is removing "Melbourne's 50 most dangerous and congested level crossings" and is spending more than $20 million of taxpayers' money to spruik the project.
The Andrews government is spending $20 million to spruik its level crossing program. Photo: Paul Rovere
It will use the bulk of the proceeds from its $9.7 billion long-term lease of the Port of Melbourne to pay for its signature eight-year removal program, which has already seen 10 crossings removed and eight railway stations torn down and rebuilt.
Data from VicRoads, the Department of Transport and the City of Wyndham reveals some of the crossings on Labor's hit list are considered far less dangerous and congested than many that will be left in place indefinitely.
For example, at the Werribee Street level crossing, boom gates drop for just five minutes in the two-hour morning peak, and for just 90 seconds in the afternoon peak.
Planning for its removal is already under way, even though it is crossed by just a few freight trains each day.
Meanwhile 15 of the 50 crossings on Labor's list were accorded no priority in a 2014 VicRoads report that prioritised the city's approximately 170 level crossings for removal based on their impact on congestion and safety.
The Coalition has used this data to argue Labor is therefore wasting scarce public funds on deliberately misleading self-promotion.
Premier Daniel Andrews dismissed the opposition's claim. Photo: AAP
It has asked the Victorian Auditor-General to intervene and investigate if the government has breached state communications guidelines.
The guidelines state that with all taxpayer-funded advertising, "facts, statistics and comparisons must be presented accurately and objectively, to ensure that information can be substantiated".
"The repeatedly advertised claim of the Andrews government that 50 of our 'most dangerous and congested level crossings' are being removed is clearly false and misleading," shadow public transport minister David Davis said.
"Worse, it is designed to hoodwink the very consumers who are footing the bill."
Crossings scheduled for removal that VicRoads ranked as low-priority include Kororoit Creek Road in Williamstown North, Camp Road in Campbellfield and Abbotts Road in Dandenong South, all three of which are already being removed.
Another is Grange Road in Alphington, which Premier Daniel Andrews visited on Friday ahead of a nine-day shutdown for works.
Mr Andrews dismissed the Coalition's accusation. He said he would not be lectured to by a party that had removed very few level crossings when it was in government.
"We know, as do Victorians, that these level crossings are deadly, they're congested, they're stopping us from running more trains more often – they're relics of the past and that's where we need to consign them to," Mr Andrews said.
The Hurstbridge line will be closed between Clifton Hill and Greensborough for nine days from 9pm Friday, with buses replacing trains, while work to remove the Grange Road level crossing ramps up.
Grange Road, a major north-south truck route in Melbourne's inner north-east, will be shut at the level crossing from 9pm Friday until Tuesday morning.
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http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/gover ... yvmri.html