Drivers on Taylors Road, St Albans, will be cheering from today as westbound traffic is switched on to the new road underpass, eliminating another congested railway level crossing in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The $54 million project will relieve a traffic snarl in the area and also boost public transport safety. "The $54 million project will relieve a traffic snarl in the area and also boost public transport safety."
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said eliminating the conflict between rail and road traffic was vital to improve the reliability of train services.
“As many as 200 suburban, country and freight train services pass through the level crossing each day, and over 23,000 vehicles travel along Taylors Road,” Ms Kosky said.
“This project is another example of the Brumby Government delivering on commitments to invest in vital transport infrastructure to help keep Melbourne moving.
“Projects such as the Taylors Road upgrade benefit both road and rail users, with this significant investment supporting and connecting communities in the City of Brimbank.
“Importantly, they are critical to improving the reliability of on-road public transport services which are essential in outer urban areas.”
Upper House member for Western Metropolitan Martin Pakula said eastbound traffic was shifted to the underpass in June and from today westbound traffic will run on the new divided road passing beneath the Melbourne-Bendigo rail line.
“This significant achievement realises the main aim of the Taylors Road project to improve safety and ease congestion by removing the busy railway level crossing near Keilor Plains Railway Station,” Mr Pakula.
“With this major milestone achieved, works will continue in and around the area over the next few months to complete other local road improvements.
“Ongoing works include lowering East Esplanade to reconnect at Taylors Road with traffic lights, work at Kerrison Avenue to replace the roundabout with traffic lights and further work on new service roads.
“For the next few months, access between East Esplanade and Taylors Road will be via a detour route along Power Street.
“Other nearby improvements recently completed or underway include the Kings Road duplication at Delahey, the Western Highway-Leakes Road interchange, and the Deer Park Bypass, which remains on track to open in 2009.”