Blackburn Road level crossing removal – proceeding, but delayed

The removal of the Blackburn Road level crossing appears to have been delayed by between six and 18 months by the Andrews Labor government.

 This project was funded by the previous Liberal-Nationals government in last year’s state budget, as part of a $457 million program, with major excavations scheduled for over the 2016-17 summer and all works to be completed by mid 2017.  Bidders for the project were shortlisted prior to last year’s state election.

 However, in announcing the preferred tenderer this week, the government has revealed that the project is now not due for completion until 2018.

 This delay is very disappointing news for local residents, motorists and commuters, who it seems will be forced to wait for months longer before this level crossing is gone. 

 If the main excavations are not done over the 2016-17 summer holiday period, either the train line will need to be shut down in mid-year, with massive disruption to commuters and motorists, or else the excavations will be delayed for a year until the 2017-18 summer.

 It is also concerning that key aspects of the project still need to be resolved.  The design for the Box Hill to Ringwood bike path past Blackburn Station and across Blackburn Road needs to make sure that pedestrians aren’t forced to cross in front of oncoming cyclists between bus stops and the underpass, and that cyclists aren’t forced along the roadway and in danger of being hit by buses.

 The traffic signals on Blackburn Road near the railway line also need to cater for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists approaching from many different directions – from Central Road, from South Parade, along Blackburn Road and along the new bike path.

 The government and the contractors need to make sure these issues are carefully worked out in consultation with the community. The last thing we can afford is a repeat of the mistakes with the Middleborough Road grade separation, where lack of consultation meant an important pedestrian footbridge was left out of the project.

 These are all issues I have been trying to get the new Minister for Roads to allow me to discuss with VicRoads, but so far the Minister has refused me permission to speak them.