Council welcomes decision to close dangerous level crossing

Published on 26 October 2022

The Maribyrnong City Council has today welcomed an announcement by State Government to close the level crossing at Anderson Street in Yarraville.

Anderson Street is recognised as one of the most dangerous level crossings in Victoria, and has been the site of a tragic fatality, alongside numerous injuries and near misses.

State Government today announced the level crossing would be removed and replaced with a pedestrian underpass.

A rail bridge or trench was considered, but cannot be delivered due to the tightness of the rail corridor, significant heritage impacts and the nearby Somerville Road overpass and Francis Street underpass impeding grade separation designs.

The removal is part of a pledge by State Government to make the Werribee Line level crossing free – paving the way for more trains to the west, more often. Four crossings along the line have already been removed.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority, undertaking this work on behalf of State Government, will be working with the Maribyrnong community to enhance the Yarraville precinct as part of the level crossing removal works. Conversations are scheduled to start sometime next year.

For more information on the project, please visit the Level Crossing Removal Authority website here or view the fact sheet here.

Quote from the Mayor

“We have been asking for action at this level crossing for some time to ensure the safety of thousands of pedestrians who cross the line each day.

“We welcome the decision to close the level crossing and replace it with a wide and well-lit underpass, to keep our residents safe as they move around the precinct. This is also what our community has been asking for.”

Maribyrnong News

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