By VANESSA VALENZUELA
THE grade separation of the Main Rd level crossing is one step closer after Brimbank Council backed design plans for future redevelopment.
Brimbank City Council adopted a set of key urban design principles at last week’s council meeting which will guide the development of the St Albans grade separation.
The report proposes to integrate the nearby bus interchange with the station to create an intermodal transport hub and provide a convenient taxi drop off area near the station.
It also suggests the design should minimise impacts on private property and create a ‘sense of place’ for the St Albans community.
Brimbank administrator Peter Lewinsky said the initiative represents “significant progress” at the level crossing.
“Very sadly, in the time the administrators have been here, an unacceptable number of deaths and accidents have occurred at that most dangerous of spots,” Mr Lewinsky said.
“Pleasingly, VicRoads has commenced a detailed study on that site and after a substantial amount of lobbying by the community, council, and other state and federal politicians, we now have progress on what is a really, really dangerous spot.”
More than 100 people rallied at the station last weekend to support the removal of the level crossing.
The rally was organised by St Albans resident Dianne Dejanovic whose son Christian died after he was struck by a train in January.
“People kept coming up to tell us about how they had witnessed people being killed at the crossing, and how they continually see the dangers and risks on an everyday basis, with cars and commuters, and how they are waiting for another death to occur,” she said.
Ms Dejanovic said she had collected more than 5000 signatures for a petition she will present to the State Government later this year.
St Albans Traders Association secretary Asip Demiri said immediate action was needed to prevent any further deaths at the crossing.
“We don’t have another three, four, five years to much around with this. Another five years could take more lives,” he said.
“It’s good that we are moving, but what we want and what we need is quick action.”
To sign the ‘Stop the carnage’ petition visit www.change.org/stalbans
