Bus companies in Melbourne’s east are transporting a huge number of passengers, as the Victorian Government’s rail level crossing removal project surges ahead
Level crossings at Blackburn and Heatherdale Road in Melbourne’s east are now gone, which are the ninth and tenth crossings removed so far — with 40 still to go.
Eleven rail stations have been redeveloped in Melbourne in the last two years, which has also required buses to carry passengers along certain sections of rail.
Rail lines at Blackburn and Heatherdale Road have now been moved underground, and buses replaced trains for 41-days, during the construction blitz that saw 800 staff remove soil and rock to lower the line so that trains can safely run under the road for the first time.
Two new pedestrian bridges have been built at Purches Street in Mitcham and Cottage Street in Blackburn, and a third is under construction at King Street/Oliver Avenue in Blackburn, making it faster and safer to cross the tracks.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan says the project is not only removing congested level crossings, but also rebuilding stations and improving access to public transport across Melbourne.
Ten level crossings are being removed currently and another seven removals will start this year.