By LAURA WAKELY
WESTERN Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn has again reassured St Albans residents that a Main Rd level crossing upgrade is on the way after claims planning has still not begun.
The Opposition claims documents obtained under Freedom of Information show “advanced planning and prepatory work” for the controversial New St level crossing in Brighton, but no documents for either the Main Rd or Furlong Rd level crossings in St Albans.
A letter from the Department of Transport states that “except for two draft copies of PAEC (Public Accounts and Estimates Committee) briefs, no documents relating to Main Road and Furlong Road, St Albans have been identified as DOT’s involvement concluded in early 2010.”
The letter, dated in May, came four months after Mr Finn told Star that “planning processes” were happening for the Main Rd grade separation (Laughing at death, Star, 31 January).
Shadow Public Transport Minister Fiona Richardson said the documents were proof the Government had prioritised the Brighton crossing despite the “busier and far more dangerous” crossings in St Albans.
“The Liberals can spin, duck, dodge and weave all they like – the reality is that the Liberal Government has allocated millions of dollars to upgrade a disused level crossing in Brighton and not one single solitary cent to start work at the two St Albans crossings,” Ms Richardson said.
But Mr Finn said the Government would hold true to its promise to construct the Main Rd grade separation in the next two years.
“It’s not just a matter of digging a hole or putting in a fence or something, this is going to affect a lot of businesses, a lot of residences and a lot of locals,” Mr Finn said.
“To just start digging a hole would be stupid. We’ve got to know exactly what we’re doing.”
He said the previous Labor government had done “nothing” to construct the crossing in 11 years and he could understand residents’ frustration.
“I know after decades of disappointment people are having trouble accepting that or may be reluctant to accept assurances, but it is going to happen,” Mr Finn said.
“The Department certainly has this under control and in hand and I am told its progressing as it should.”
