VIC Gap Road level crossing removal project marks new milestones

The Rail Infrastructure Alliance (RIA) has been awarded the contract to deliver works that will remove the dangerous and congested Gap Road level crossing along Victoria’s Sunbury Line. 

RIA is comprised of John Holland, CPB Contractors, AECOM and Metro Trains Melbourne – which is also undertaking major works on the eastern and western tunnel entrances for the Metro Tunnel Project as well as on the Sunbury Line Upgrade. 

In addition to the contract award, the design for the project has been finalised and major construction is anticipated to commence soon. 

“I'm thrilled that major construction on the Gap Road level crossing removal is about to start, bringing is a big step closer to getting traffic flowing in Sunbury and improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians. 

“Our growing community will see the benefits for years to come from this critical project, and the many other transport projects underway or about to begin as part of the Victorian Government’s investment in Sunbury’s future,” Member for Sunbury Josh Bull said. 

The removal of the Gap Road level crossing will help relieve one of the worst bottlenecks in Sunbury two years ahead of schedule. 

The level crossing is going to be replaced with a new rail bridge along with a road underpass on Gap Road/Station Street. The project will also include a new shared path on both sides, providing pedestrians and cyclists with a safe connection. 

With a road under rail design, the heritage-listed Sunbury Station is guaranteed to be preserved and will have less impact on rail services during construction. 

The final design for the project highlights the removal of bridge supports between the footpath and road, which was originally on the initial design, to improve visibility as well as safety for both cyclists and pedestrians. 

The Gap Road level crossing removal project is part of the broader Sunbury Line Upgrade, which will pave the way for more modern and bigger trains that will run along the line once Metro Tunnel opens in 2025. 

“We're getting on with the road and rail that Sunbury’s growing population needs, that supports hundreds of jobs at a time our economy needs it most. 

“The Gap Road level crossing removal will transform how people move around Sunbury, and the Sunbury Line Upgrade will enable bigger, better trains on the line, connecting to the Metro Tunnel’s five new stations in 2025,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said. 

Early works on the project started in July of this year with works including underground services relocation. Hundreds of piles have been driven as deep as 13 metres into the ground to support the new rail bridge and retaining walls have been put up for the lowered road. 

Construction on the new rail bridge is expected to begin in 2022 and the excavation of the roadway will follow suit. 

Between 3rd and 8th September, buses replaced trains on the Sunbury Line while works ramp up on the project. Works included installation of signalling, communications and power infrastructure along sections of the line as well as works on power upgrades at the Tottenham substation and platform improvements at Middle Footscray, West Footscray and Sunshine stations. 

The local community will also benefit from the Sunbury Road upgrade, which will deliver additional lanes on Sunbury Road between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest Road along with new traffic lights at key intersections, improved walking and cycling facilities and a new Jackson Creek bridge. 

Over the coming months, works to deliver 300 new commuter car parks are also anticipated to begin. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build; Level Crossing Removal Project