Level crossings Melbourne

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> $1.6 billion elevated rail project to replace level crossings along Dandenong line

[ozbob]

I spoke with a Murrumbeena resident this morning.  There are already protests at the local park.

The community was consulted and it was on the basis of dropping the rail line (as for Springvale).  This plan now for elevated rail is going to be difficult to push into the community I expect.

[ozbob]

Urban Melbourne --> It's elevated rail for the Dandenong corridor level crossing removals

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Watch this video. It's amazing.https://t.co/WoU1Sn7sRh

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) February 7, 2016

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Melbourne Age --> Murrumbeena residents protest over 'shoddy' sky rail proposal

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Melbourne Age --> Melbourne sky rail: Many questions remain about Andrews government plan

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Melbourne Age --> Resident fury at lack of consultation on 'sky rail' plan

[ozbob]

Proposed designs unveiled for Caulfield to Dandenong corridor

>> http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/news/proposed-designs-unveiled-for-caulfield-to-dandenong-corridor

[verbatim9]

Great video and animation.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Sky rail more an eye opener than an eyesore

[ozbob]

Daniel Bowen Skyrail! --> http://www.danielbowen.com/2016/02/11/skyrail/

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Melbourne Age --> Altona Loop could shut down for months for level crossing works

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Alan Davies --> Surely the media can do better than this?

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Melbourne Age --> Sky rail: government won't rule out elevated rail on Frankston train line

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Melbourne Age --> Skyrail project scores a skyfail on proper consultation: planners

The plan to elevate rail lines in Melbourne's south-east as a way of removing nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong lacked a proper process to involve the community, planners have told the Andrews government.

It comes as the head of Infrastructure Victoria, the state government body created to devise a 30-year plan for the state's infrastructure needs, said his organisation had not been asked about the plan.

The government last week announced its plan to start construction this year on the removal of level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong railway stations ...

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/skyrail-project-score-a-skyfail-on-proper-consultation-planners-20160215-gmugw6.html

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Sky high: report on city's history of level crossing removal backs elevated rail

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http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/easter-blitz-to-fast-track-level-crossing-removals/

Easter Blitz To Fast-Track Level Crossing Removals

Construction in Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh will ramp up over Easter, enabling three of Victoria's worst level crossings – at North, McKinnon and Centre Roads – to be removed months ahead of schedule.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan at McKinnon Road level crossing this morning, where the boom gates are down for more than 45 minutes in the morning peak.

Construction crews will take advantage of the quieter Easter holiday period to lay bridge decks at McKinnon and Centre roads, which will enable traffic to flow while the lowered train line is dug underneath.

To enable this work to be done safely and efficiently, buses will replace trains on sections of the Frankston line from Friday 25 March until Monday 5 April.

McKinnon and Centre roads will also be closed from late on Thursday 24 March to 5:00am, Tuesday 5 April.

At the same time, Ormond and McKinnon Stations will close for four to five months so they can be demolished and completely rebuilt.  Buses will replace trains on this section of the Frankston line.

Bentleigh Station will close in early June for rebuilding. All three new stations are due to be open, and the  dangerous and congested level crossings gone, by the start of the footy finals – months ahead of schedule.

Works will also ramp up in St Albans over Easter, with Furlong Road closed from Sunday, 27 March to Monday, 18 April. There will be no impacts on train or bus services.

A short construction campaign this weekend will also impact services, with buses replacing trains between Caulfield and Mordialloc stations from 7:00pm, Friday 4 March until the last service on Sunday 6 March. Centre Road will also be closed this weekend to allow works to occur safely.

For more details visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au, ptv.vic.gov.au or roads.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"These level crossings clog local streets, stop us running more trains and put lives at risk, just like the other 50 we're removing."

"More than 500 staff will work round the clock this Easter, so these dangerous crossings are gone and these new stations are built months ahead of schedule – we're getting on with it."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan

"I thank locals and passengers for their patience while get rid of these congested death-traps. There will be disruption, but it's nothing compared to the congestion, delay and distress these crossings cause every day."

Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos

"After years of campaigning to remove these dangerous crossings, I'm pleased to say they will be gone in less than six months, and proud to be part of the Andrews Labor Government who is getting rid of them."

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Friends in high places: transport groups back elevated rail plan

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Melbourne Age --> Sky rail's 'secret expansion': four-track future looms for Melbourne's south-east

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Melbourne Age --> Level crossings: sky rail avoided delays and power shut downs, documents suggest

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Melbourne Age --> Sky rail: poll for government finds resident support at 82 per cent

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Melbourne Age --> Sky rail: We'll buy your home, Andrews government tells residents backing onto train line

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http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/support-for-residents-living-near-level-crossing-removals/

Support For Residents Living Near Level Crossing Removals

Minister for Public Transport

29 March 2016

The Andrews Labor Government has announced a range of measures to support residents living near to the $1.6 billion Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removal project.

Following further community consultation, the Labor Government will provide extensive fencing and landscaping works, and implement a scheme to voluntarily purchase properties that back on to elevated sections of the train line.

Since the Labor Government announced its plan to remove nine level crossings, rebuild five stations and create kilometres of new parks, paths and community space, the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) has been talking to local residents about what the project means for them and how any potential impacts can be reduced.

During these conversations, local residents said they wanted the project to provide a range of landscaping and fencing measures. Some residents whose homes back on to the rail corridor also said they would like the option to sell their property to the government.

As a result of this community feedback, and strong advocacy by local Member Steve Dimopoulos, this is what will be delivered.

From today, residents can apply for a package of works that could include planting more trees and plants, and raising their fence line, helping reduce the visual impact of the elevated sections of the train line.

Residents can also apply to install a gate in the back fence of their properties to enable them enjoy the new parkland the project will create. The LXRA will fund and deliver these works for residents.

People directly abutting the rail corridor where the line will be elevated will also be eligible to apply to have their property purchased voluntarily by the Government.

Residents have until 30 June 2017 to apply to have their homes purchased at the market rate, and for the government to cover related costs such as legal, valuation and moving expenses, including stamp duty.

Detailed information about these measures, including how to apply, is available at www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or by calling the Level Crossing Removal Authority on 1800 762 667.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"We are removing nine of Victoria's worst level crossings, rebuilding five stations, creating kilometres of new community open space, and we're listening to local residents while we get on with this essential work."

"Local residents said they wanted the project to provide landscaping and fencing works, and the opportunity to sell their property if they want to move and that is what we are delivering."

"We are respecting the views of those closest to this significant project, and giving them the opportunity to make the choice that is right for them."

[ozbob]

Murrumbeena anti-sky rail local group.

You deserve to know more

>> http://daviddavis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/You-deserve-to-know-more.pdf

[ozbob]

Love a good timelapse video. Thanks for your patience, everyone. Removing these level crossings is worth it.https://t.co/rsiwi3s60y

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) April 1, 2016

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Melbourne Age --> Those closest to sky rail may not be biggest losers

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http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/getting-our-newest-parkland-right-for-the-long-term/

Getting Our Newest Parkland Right For The Long Term

Minister for Public Transport
9 April 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will appoint an Expert Panel to oversee plans for Melbourne's newest park –created by elevating the Cranbourne Pakenham Line – and establish a trust to fund its long-term maintenance.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, joined the newly appointed Chair of the Expert Panel and Chief Executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Professor Tim Entwisle, today to announce the new body.

Mr Entwisle will be supported by an Expert Panel drawn from the local community and councils, as well as organisations such as Victoria Police, Bicycle Victoria and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.

Expressions of interest will also be sought for four community members of the Panel.

The Expert Panel will advise the Government on the 22.5 hectares of new public open space the project will create, and on the plan for its long-term maintenance, which has been guaranteed with a maintenance trust fund to ensure the new space is always safe, green and cared for.

They will also ensure community feedback is addressed in the final designs for this new landmark parkland.

The Labor Government will provide an initial payment of $15 million, funded through the Level Crossing Removal Project, exclusively for maintenance.

The Expert Panel and maintenance trust fund are the result of consultation, which showed a strong desire for the new parks, paths and community infrastructure created by the project are properly looked after.

The Government is listening to this input as it gets on with delivering the $1.6 billion project, which will remove every level crossing between Dandenong and the city, rebuild five stations and enable more trains.

The Caulfield to Dandenong package will create more than 2,000 jobs and is part of the Labor Government's plan to remove 50 of Victoria's worst level crossings. For more information visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform an ugly rail corridor into one of the biggest new parks Melbourne has ever seen – and we're going to do it right.

"The Expert Panel will include open space experts, advocates and locals, and the establishment of a trust will ensure the kilometres of open space this project creates is safe, green and well looked after."

"This project will make these communities even better places to live, with less traffic, more trains and new parks, bike paths and community facilities."

"The Andrews Labor Government is listening to locals, caring for these communities and getting on with it."

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Melbourne Age --> Metro Trains to make big profit from sky rail project without going to tender

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Melbourne Age --> Liberals call on economic watchdog to probe Metro's sky rail deal

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Melbourne Age --> Sky rail a done deal - contracts signed, work to start soon

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http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/contract-signed-nine-crossings-gone-2000-jobs-created-2/

Contract Signed, Nine Crossings Gone, 2000 Jobs Created

Treasurer

22 April 2016


The contract for the removal of every dangerous and congested level crossing between Dandenong and the city is signed, and work will start within weeks.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, joined Treasurer Tim Pallas today to announce an alliance including Lendlease, CPB Contractors, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurecon and Metro Trains Melbourne has been formally awarded the contract for the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project.

The $1.6 billion project will remove nine dangerous level crossings, build five new stations, upgrade signalling and power and create 11 MCG's worth of new public open space.

Together with the 65 new High-Capacity Metro Trains the Labor Government has ordered, the project will create space for 11,000 extra passengers to catch the train on Melbourne's busiest rail line.

The project will improve the reliability of the metropolitan, regional and freight services, meaning trains will arrive on time, more often.

By elevating the existing line, the project will transform rail and rocks into kilometres of new parks, paths and open space that will be overseen by an expert panel headed by CEO of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Tim Entwisle. A Trust fund has also been established, to ensure the new space is safe, green and cared for in the long term.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority also released the Consultation Outcomes and Submissions Report today, which summarises thousands of pieces of feedback it received from the community.

A range of measures have been incorporated into the project as a result of this feedback, including escalators at all the new stations, more bike paths with better lighting, noise walls along the structure, and more car parking.

Work on the Caulfield to Dandenong project will start at the end of this month, beginning with the installation of fences and site preparations.

The Consultation Report, and more information about the Labor Government's plan to reduce congestion, improve public transport, create new parks and support local jobs, is available at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

"The project to eliminate these congested death traps is about to begin, and 2000 jobs are about to be created."

"This project will deliver more room, on more trains to carry more people on Melbourne's busiest rail line. It's needed now, and we're not going to waste a day – we're going to get it done."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"If we don't build this project, our roads will grind to a halt and our train system will be overwhelmed."

"Removing these crossings will relieve pressure on our roads and trains, and make communities along this line better places to live, with new parks, less traffic and more trains."

[ozbob]

Twitter

Level Crossings ‏@levelcrossings 14m

Read the consultation report for the Caulfield-Dandenong #levelcrossing removal project here http://bit.ly/1NEsNRn

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Sky rail: a great day for Melbourne

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A battle lost for angry protesters, as the Premier's sky rail project becomes a done deal. @BrendanDonohoe7 https://t.co/uZlMD7dAIY

— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) April 22, 2016

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-report-confirms-elevated-line-will-reduce-train-noise/

New Report Confirms Elevated Line Will Reduce Train Noise

Minister for Public Transport

4 May 2016

The Andrews Labor Government's solution to remove nine level crossings on the Cranbourne Pakenham line will reduce noise for local residents in Melbourne's south east.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, today released the Level Crossing Removal Authority's Preliminary Noise Report for the Cranbourne to Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project.

The report shows every feature of the new line – stations, track, wheels and horns – will be quieter than the current rail line, with an overall audible decrease in noise from the new project compared to existing conditions.

The addition of noise and privacy screening, as well as directly fixing the track to the structure using continuously welded rail, will have a big impact on reducing noise.

The report also makes clear that the noise modelling used is deliberately conservative, meaning the actual noise affects are likely to be even lower than those indicated.

The release of the report follows the start of works on the $1.6 billion project over the weekend and the Victorian Budget 2016/17 on Wednesday, which provided all the funds necessary to build it.

The Victorian Budget also fully funds 65 new high-capacity trains that will run on the Cranbourne Pakenham line, as well as the $10.9 billion Metro Tunnel, which will allow more trains in and out of the city.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"This report confirms the elevated line will reduce train noise for local residents day and night."

"This $1.6 billion project will create greener, safer, quieter neighbourhoods, with less traffic, more trains and more open space."

"These level crossings are some of our worst. They clog roads, stop us running more trains and put lives at risk every single day."

"After years of excuses, we're getting it done."

[ozbob]

Preliminary Noise Report released for Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project

>> http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media-library/news/preliminary-noise-report-released-for-caulfield-to-dandenong-level-crossing-removal-project

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Frankston line commuters face delays with buses to replace trains as level crossings are removed

Frankston line commuters face delays from next month with a large section of the line to close to complete level crossing removals.

Buses will replace trains for 37 days between Caulfield and Moorabbin while a "blitz" is undertaken to finalise three level crossing removals.

When the line reopens the level crossings will be removed at Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh stations.

The government also confirmed the new stations at those locations will open progressively from August.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told reporters that passengers would experience delays during the closure with buses to replace trains.

"There will be disruption while these works occur but it will be worth it," she said.

Ms Allan said the three level crossing removals would be completed six months ahead of schedule.

In July level crossing removal works will also step up at Blackburn Road in Blackburn, Heatherdale Road in Mitcham and Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road in Bayswater.

Sections of the Belgrave/Lilydale line will close between July 2 and 10 to allow the works to proceed.

The latest works are part of the Andrews government's promise to remove 50 level crossings in two terms of government.

It plans to use the proceeds from selling the Port of Melbourne to fund the level crossing removal program.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Marcus Wong ‏@aussiewongm 3m

Great report from the Metropolitan Transport Forum on the learnings from previous level crossing removal projects:

http://www.mtf.org.au/Projects/MTF-Level-Crossing-Removals-Learnings-for-Local-Government-K.aspx

[ozbob]

We're getting rid of Kororoit Ck Rd level crossing. We'll put in an extra track while we're at it. #gettingitdonehttps://t.co/i3LFytfTlD

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) June 8, 2016

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http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/frankston-level-crossing-lies-a-desperate-political-stunt/

Frankston Level Crossing Lies A Desperate Political Stunt

13 June 2016

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan has slammed the Liberal campaign of misinformation about the level crossings the Andrews Labor Government is removing on the Frankston line.

Federal Liberal election propaganda distributed in the federal seat of Isaacs is a desperate attempt to distract from their lack of funding for Victoria.

Despite being the fastest growing State and home to 25 per cent of Australia's population, Victoria still receives just 9 per cent of Federal infrastructure funding.

The Labor Government will remove 11 level crossings on the Frankston line. Three of these crossings are almost gone, and the Government is undertaking extensive consultation on the removal of the remaining eight.

Between Caulfield and Dandenong, the Labor Government is removing every single level crossing. That's not the case on the Frankston line, where the Government is removing level crossings at separate sites with crossings left in between.

As a result, a continuous elevated line over every one of the eight crossings won't be possible, and won't be built.

The Labor Government continues to assess the best option on a site-by-site basis, to ensure the best solution is found for each community.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"We will not be building a Dandenong line-style 'Skyrail' on the Frankston line. Any allegations we will are false."

"We will remove 11 dangerous and congested level crossings on the Frankston line. The first three are almost gone and we're undertaking detailed consultation on the removal of the remaining eight.

"The Liberals are desperate to distract attention from the fact that they didn't remove a single one of these crossings and are dudding Victoria – not giving us the funding we deserve for the projects we need."

"We will work with the community, engineers and experts to develop the best solution at each site and get rid of these dangerous and congested level crossings that clog local streets and put lives at risk every single day."