Victoria’s City of Casey Council says it is disappointed in the proposed design for the Camms Road level crossing removal in Cranbourne, which is set to remove at least 18 homes.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM, is urging the Victorian Government to reconsider its proposed design which was revealed on Friday.
“The proposed road bridge will elevate Camms Road over the busy rail line, and leave many residents looking up at a concrete bridge that will limit pedestrian connections and sever connectivity across the rail corridor,” said Ms Duff.
“Council has been advocating for the rail line to be elevated to enable better outcomes for the future Cranbourne to Clyde extension, which would improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians as well as retain the community feel of the area.”
City of Casey is calling for consultation with Council and the community to inform the best design, not a “quick-fix that will lead to long-term pain”.
“Cranbourne residents deserve a better outcome than an imposing bridge that removes so many homes. The proposed artist’s impression also shows little change to Cranbourne station which indicates an approach that does not adequately future-proof the precinct to accommodate the much-needed Cranbourne to Clyde rail extension,” Ms Duff said.
Council Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Patterson, rejected arguments supporting early delivery of the road bridge to save on delays.
“The Cranbourne to Clyde rail extension is a priority for our growing community and must be delivered properly, which means adjacent and complementary projects should accommodate this in their design,” said Mr Patterson.
“The reality is this short-term road bridge option means much bigger delays and costs for ratepayers down the track.
“Casey residents have waited long enough for dangerous level crossings to be removed and don’t deserve a solution that will impact another critical transport infrastructure project such as the Cranbourne to Clyde extension. Rushing through this design without proper consultation and integrating a properly planned extension is a disservice to the community,” Mr Patterson added.
The State Government has opened limited community consultation on the concept design. With the proposed project being ‘fast-tracked’ the community must respond quickly or contact their local Member of Parliament Pauline Richards MP to have their say, Council said.
The Victorian Government says the crossing – one of the last remaining level crossings on the busy Cranbourne line – will be gone for good by 2024, a year ahead of schedule, with works to start early next year on the new road bridge over the rail line at Camms Road.
Early artist’s impressions have been released for a road bridge that will elevate Camms Road over the rail line.
The Government says as part of the plans, pedestrians and cyclists will have a new, safe way to cross the rail line, with the road bridge to feature wide, well-lit paths.
“With more than 137 trains passing through each day and more trains soon to be added to the busy line, removing this dangerous and congested level crossing is critical to improving safety for the community in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing areas,” the government’s Level Crossing Removal Project said in a statement.”
Part of the $1 billion Cranbourne Line Upgrade, Camms Road is one of four level crossings to be removed along the Cranbourne line, in addition to a new Merinda Park Station and full duplication of the line – allowing for trains every 10 minutes.
“The road bridge alignment also accommodates recent duplication works on the line and ensures that any future plans to extend the line to Clyde or upgrade Cranbourne Station in the years to come will still be possible once the level crossing has been removed,” it said.
