Melbourne’s transport network includes approximately 180 road/rail level crossings. Road traffic at these level crossings is managed by boom gates that give priority to trains. Level crossings interrupt the flow of road traffic and contribute to congestion and delays on Melbourne’s roads. The 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit projected that the cost of road congestion in the Melbourne/Geelong area is expected to reach approximately $10.4 billion by 2031.
As Melbourne’s train network is modernised, longer and more frequent trains are planned to be introduced to the network to cater for increased demand. Longer and more frequent trains at level crossings will increase delays for road users.
Level crossings also introduce a ‘conflict point’ between rail and road traffic, which creates safety issues. Incidents at level crossings, including collisions and signal faults, impact the efficiency and reliability of Melbourne’s transport network.
This proposal proposes to remove priority level crossings in Melbourne. The objective of the proposal is to deliver a more reliable, convenient, productive and safer transport system in Melbourne.
The Victorian Government, through the Level Crossing Removal Authority, is delivering 110 level crossing removals across metropolitan Melbourne. Major construction commenced in 2015 with 67 level crossings removed by November 2021. All 110 committed level crossings will be removed by 2030.