By Major construction is only weeks away from the start of removal of the dangerous and congested Sunbury Gap Road crossing, with a contract awarded and final designs revealed for the project.
The contract was awarded to the Rail Infrastructure Alliance (RIA) – comprising John Holland, CPB Contractors, AECOM and Metro Trains Melbourne – which is also carrying out major work on the metro tunnel project at the east and west entrances to the tunnel, as well as the Sunbury Line Upgrade.
The project will clear Sunbury’s worst bottleneck two years ahead of schedule, with the new road under the railway in place by the end of 2022 and all work completed in 2023. Initial work on the project has started in July, with workers digging alongside Gap Road and Station Street to relocate underground services, paving the way for major construction to begin.
Hundreds of piles are driven up to 13 meters into the ground to support the new railway bridge and the retaining walls of the lowered road. Construction of the railway bridge will begin in 2022, followed by excavation of the roadway.
The Gap Road level crossing will be replaced with a new railway bridge and underpass on Gap Road / Station Street, including a new path shared on both sides to provide a safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists.
Artist prints of the final designs have been released, showing that the original bridge supports between the sidewalk and the road have been removed to improve visibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The design of the rail road will ensure that the heritage listed Sunbury station is preserved and has the least impact on rail services during construction, although there will be occasional disruptions.
The Gap Road level crossing is Sunbury’s most congested, with ramp gates closed until 26 percent of the morning rush hour. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the crossing every day, and are expected to increase to 27,000 by 2026.
The removal of the level crossing is delivered as part of the Sunbury Line upgrade, which will prepare the line for larger and more modern trains that will run when the underground tunnel opens in 2025, giving passengers access to five new CBD stations in Melbourne, Arden, Parkville and St Kilda Road – and a future link with Melbourne Airport Rail.
Buses replaced trains on the Sunbury Line from September 3-8 as work intensified on the project, with crews installing signaling, communication and power infrastructure along sections of the line, and working on power upgrades at the Tottenham substation and platform upgrades at Middle Footscray, West Footscray and Sunshine stations.
The government is removing 85 level crossings, of which 47 are permanently removed and removing 1 level crossing each month, this level crossing being removed two years earlier than planned.
The community of Sunbury will also benefit from the investment in the modernization of Sunbury Road, which will add additional lanes on Sunbury Road between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest Road, new traffic lights at major intersections, better pedestrian and cycle links and a new bridge over Jacksons. Stream. Delivery work on 300 new commuter parking lots should also start in the coming months.
As stated by Minister of Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We move forward with the road and rail that Sunbury’s growing population needs, supporting hundreds of jobs at a time when our economy needs them most. ”
“The removal of the Gap Road level crossing will transform the way people travel in Sunbury, and the Sunbury Line upgrade will allow bigger and better trains on the line, connecting to the five new stations in the metro tunnel in 2025. ”
As Sunbury MP Josh Bull said
“I am delighted that major construction of the Gap Road crossing setback is about to begin, which brings us very close to smooth traffic flow in Sunbury and improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians. . “
“Our growing community will see the benefits for years to come from this vital project and the many other transportation projects underway or about to begin as part of the Victorian Government’s investment in Sunbury’s future. “