By Belinda Nolan
TWO of Brimbank’s notorious level crossings will be removed to make way for the Regional Rail Link.
In a major win for the Sunshine community, the Federal Government last week announced the removal of two level crossings on Anderson Rd, following a campaign by residents, Brimbank Council and Lead West.
The announcement follows earlier revelations the extra rail services could keep the crossing boom gates down 35 minutes out of every hour during peak periods.
Brimbank Transport Action Group (BTAG) spokesman Peter Thomson said the government was forced to act to minimise the impact of the new services on Sunshine’s already congested roads.
“They had to do it because traffic is already a nightmare on Anderson Rd,” Mr Thomson said.
“Those roads are bad enough without the crossings but imagine the mayhem it would cause when you’ve got extra trains coming through.
“The roads are already gridlocked because people are having to wait 10 minutes at the boom gates.”
BTAG member Debbie Woods said she was delighted by the news, saying that Sunshine residents’ prayers had been answered.
“This announcement is brilliant,” Ms Woods said.
“It’s an absolute victory for the Sunshine community and will hopefully go some way towards addressing the chaos.”
The council has also welcomed the announcement, with administrator Peter Lewinsky labelling it “a huge win for Sunshine”.
But St Albans traders were less than impressed that their level crossings were once again overlooked for funding.
St Albans Traders Association secretary Asip Demiri said he was pleased two of Brimbank’s level crossings would be eliminated but was disappointed by a lack of progress for what he has called St Albans’ deathtraps.
Mr Demiri said planning for grade separation at Main Rd was at a standstill, with plans yet to be unveiled and no funding committed.
“I’m happy for Sunshine but I want to see some progress at the St Albans level crossings too,” Mr Demiri said.
“It’s very frustrating when you’ve been campaigning for something for so long and you keep missing out.”
The Regional Rail works will also involve improvements at Sunshine Station, including a new footbridge with connections to the plaza and a new platform.
Meanwhile, the Victorian Government has also announced $220,000 funding to link the Sunshine Plaza, Marketplace and Hampshire Rd Shopping precinct.
The funding is set to transform Sunshine’s streetscape by creating an accessible pedestrian terrace, linking the three areas into one precinct.
Works are expected to commence early next year.
