Works starting – all set for a busy start to 2021

We are getting rid of the dangerous and congested level crossing at Robinsons Road by building a road underpass. The project has been fast tracked for completion by 2023.

Over the coming weeks, the underpass will start to take shape as we get on with piling, drainage and civil works.

These will pave the way for major construction in mid 2021, when we’ll excavate under the rail line and build a bridge for trains to cross the underpass.

The boom gates in Deer Park can be down for around 45 per cent of the morning peak, when up to 37 trains go through the crossing. There has been one serious collision since 2005, and 18 near-misses since 2012.

The new underpass will provide reduced travel times, better local connections and easier access to services. An alliance of Fulton Hogan, Metro Trains Melbourne and the Level Crossing Removal Project is overseeing the $234 million removal of the level crossings at Robinsons Road and Fitzgerald Road in Ardeer.

Why Robinsons Road level crossing needs to go:

• Improved safety for pedestrians and drivers
• A more reliable road network
• Stimulates economic growth by creating hundreds of jobs

Early works

Site establishment is the first phase of construction, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment for our team and the local community.

Recently, you may have noticed workers moving around the local area to:

• set up a temporary site compound, including offices and storage areas, between Robinsons Road and Waigani Avenue
• put in place temporary traffic changes
• start early works, such as tree removal and relocating utility services.

From February, activity at Robinsons Road will increase, including some out of hours works, overnight and weekend road closures and disruption to late night and weekend train services, to and from Deer Park Station.

We’ll notify nearby residents and businesses ahead of any planned works. For those who travel through the area, view the latest updates on our disruptions page.

Why the road underpass is the best solution for Robinsons Road:

• No more boom gates, meaning safer and more reliable travel
• Shorter construction time means less disruption to residents, businesses, drivers and rail passengers
• New shared use path on the east side of Robinsons Road makes walking and cycling easier and safer Design allows for future upgrades to the transport network

What you told us

In mid 2021, the community of Deer Park and Ravenhall provided us with feedback on the designs for the new underpass.

Below are some of the most frequently shared comments and how we have responded.

Future proof Robinsons Road

The new underpass has been designed to accommodate a duplication of the road when predicted traffic volumes warrant it.

Improve the Quinn Street intersection

The Quinn Street–Westwood Drive intersection will be upgraded and signalised as part of the project.

Consider pedestrian and cyclist safety

The new 800-metre shared use path will be separated from traffic and well-lit, with clear sightlines to the road, providing a safer route across the rail line.

Plant more native trees and shrubs

More than 150 trees and 100,000 shrubs and grasses will be planted as part of the project, with a focus on species indigenous to the area.

Plan for future rail upgrades

The design of the new underpass has been future-proofed to allow for extra tracks and the proposed electrification of the rail line.

New access roads

Lowering Robinsons Road under the rail line will put the new road on a different level to several businesses and houses immediately north of the level crossing.

A new commercial service road connecting to Westwood Drive will be built on the western side of the underpass for use by staff, customers and suppliers.

A residential road will connect to Quinn Street, providing safe ongoing access for residents on the eastern side.

Upcoming disruptions

Road

• Robinsons Road between Hatchland Drive and Quinn Street will be closed from 9pm Friday 26 February to 5am Monday 1 March. Detours will be in place to direct vehicles around the works area.
• Nexus Street will be closed to Robinsons Road from early 2021 until 2023. Drivers can detour via Orbis Drive.
• In early 2021, lane closures on Robinsons Road will be in place to support road widening works. Including pavement works, line marking and temporary barrier installation.
• Lane closures and traffic management will be in place at times on Waigani Avenue, Robinsons Road and Westwood drive from early 2021.
• Traffic management will help you move safety through the area.

Pedestrian

• In early 2021 a temporary pedestrian footpath will be built on the south east side of Robinsons Road.

Rail

Buses replace trains on sections of the Geelong and Ballarat lines:

• Monday 22 February to Wednesday 24 February.
• Saturday 27 February to Monday 1 March.

Project timeline

Timeline subject to change.

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