Level Crossing Removal Project#Additional 25 crossing removals: 2025–2030
{{short description|Infrastructure project of the government of Victoria, Australia}}
{{for|the project in Western Australia|Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project}}
{{good article}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox government agency
| agency_name = Level Crossing Removal Project
| type = project
| logo = Level Crossing Removal Project logo.svg
| logo_width = 150px
| picture = Mernda line Level Crossing Removal Project elevated rail with greenery between Preston and Bell, Melbourne.jpg
| picture_caption = Elevated rail near the rebuilt Preston station.
| formed = March 2015
| jurisdiction = Melbourne
| headquarters = Melbourne
| employees = {{increase}} 382 {{small|(June 2018)}}
| minister1_name = Danny Pearson
| minister1_pfo = Minister for Transport and Infrastructure
| chief1_name = Matt Thorpe{{cite web | url=https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne-residents-angry-over-new-keon-park-railway-station-metres-from-their-balconies-c-15096301 | title=Melbourne residents angry over new train station metres from their balconies }}
| chief1_position = Acting CEO
| agency_type = Project team
| logo_alt = The logo of the Level Crossing Removal Project, showing multiple small red circles and black text for the project name.
| image_alt = The newly elevated Reservoir railway station showing the project's elevated designs with a road in the foreground.
| parent_agency_type = authority
| parent_agency = Major Transport Infrastructure Authority
| parent_department = Department of Transport and Planning
| website = {{URL|https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project|bigbuild.vic.gov.au}}
}}
{{Daniel Andrews sidebar}}
The Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) is an infrastructure upgrade project by the Government of Victoria, Australia, to remove and grade-separate 110 level crossings and to rebuild 51 railway stations on the metropolitan and regional rail network of the state capital Melbourne. The project aims to improve network efficiency, rail safety, and reduce traffic congestion.
After pledging the removal of 50 level crossings at the 2014 Victorian state election, the Andrews Government committed $2.4 billion in the 2015–2016 budget to remove the first 20 crossings by 2018. The next 30 crossings were notionally funded through the hypothecation of the sale proceeds from the privatisation of the Port of Melbourne.{{cite web|url=http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/about|title=About – Level Crossing Removal Project|publisher=Level Crossing Removal Authority|access-date=7 January 2017|archive-date=12 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212014205/http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/about|url-status=live}} Prior to the 2018 state election, the government committed to remove a further 25 level crossings, using a new prioritisation framework. In 2021, the government announced a further ten level crossing removals and four level crossing closures would occur by 2025, bringing the total planned level crossing removals to 85 by 2025.{{Cite web|title=Ten More Level Crossings To Go By 2025 {{!}} Premier of Victoria|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/ten-more-level-crossings-go-2025|access-date=9 August 2021|website=www.premier.vic.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729004027/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/ten-more-level-crossings-go-2025|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Fowler|first=Michael|date=29 July 2021|title=Big Build swells: Andrews adds $2.5b, five new stations and 10 level crossing removals|url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/big-build-swells-andrews-adds-2-5b-five-new-stations-and-10-level-crossing-removals-20210729-p58e3b.html|access-date=9 August 2021|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809033317/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/big-build-swells-andrews-adds-2-5b-five-new-stations-and-10-level-crossing-removals-20210729-p58e3b.html|url-status=live}} In 2022, the Andrews government announced the removal of an additional 25 level crossings by 2030, bringing the total to 110.
Previously its own administrative agency, in 2019 the LXRP became a project within the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, an office of the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.{{Cite web|last=Department of Transport|date=September 2019|title=Annual Report 2018-19|url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/-/media/tfv-documents/dot-annual-report-1819.pdf?la=en&hash=B21A6EF6EF7406A3A9FA3F0699283FFD|access-date=9 November 2021|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109042413/https://transport.vic.gov.au/-/media/tfv-documents/dot-annual-report-1819.pdf?la=en&hash=B21A6EF6EF7406A3A9FA3F0699283FFD|url-status=live}} As of March 2025, 85 crossings have been removed and 48 train stations have been built or rebuilt as part of the project.{{Cite web |date=26 October 2022 |title=Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project |access-date=6 December 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921194737/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project |url-status=live }}
Background
When Melbourne's rail network was built, many road-railway crossings were via level crossing rather than bridges or underpasses due to the city's flat topography and sparse population. As traffic levels increased, these became bottlenecks for road and rail traffic, limiting the speed and frequency of train services. In 1954, the State Government established a committee to look at the removal of level crossings at Clifton Hill, Elsternwick, Footscray, Moorabbin, and Newport."Abolition of Busy Level Crossings" Railway Gazette 13 August 1954 page 176"Abolishing Level Crossings in Victoria" Railway Gazette 30 December 1955 pages 769–771 These projects were completed by 1960."Abolition of Level Crossings in Victoria" Railway Gazette 4 November 1960 pages 539–540
In 1983, the level crossing at Station Street, Box Hill, was removed. Other level crossing removals include Dorset Road, Boronia, in 1998 and Middleborough Road, Laburnum, in 2007.{{Cite web |date=7 July 2013 |title=DVN61: Crossing The Line: Boronia's forgotten killer intersection |url=https://dvn61.blogspot.com/2013/07/crossing-line-boronias-forgotten-killer.html |access-date=6 December 2022 |website=DVN61 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206115700/https://dvn61.blogspot.com/2013/07/crossing-line-boronias-forgotten-killer.html |url-status=live }} In the early 2010s, level crossings were removed at Nunawading (2010), Springvale (2014), Sunshine (2014) and Mitcham (2014)."Infrastructure" Railway Gazette International July 2009 page 14[http://www.arup.com/projects/springvale_road_rail_grade_separation Springvale road and rail grade separation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312202013/http://www.arup.com/projects/springvale_road_rail_grade_separation |date=12 March 2017 }} Arup{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=Anderson rd level crossing in sunshine finally removed |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/anderson-rd-level-crossing-in-sunshine-finally-removed/news-story/14cccb860b04cf71f8998d9fc61fdbd6 |access-date=6 December 2022 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206121618/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/anderson-rd-level-crossing-in-sunshine-finally-removed/news-story/14cccb860b04cf71f8998d9fc61fdbd6 |url-status=live }}File:Clayton Road level crossing with manually operated gates.jpg prior to its removal.|alt=A black and white photo of the level crossing at Clayton Road, Clayton with manually operated gates before its removal.|left]]As of 2014, there were 176 level crossings left on metropolitan Melbourne's rail network (4 of which involved tram lines) and 228 places where railways had been separated from roads;{{Cite web |date=2024-03-16 |title=Level crossings: Which are funded to be removed, which are promised? – Daniel Bowen |url=https://danielbowen.com/2014/09/24/level-crossing-list/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316085125/https://danielbowen.com/2014/09/24/level-crossing-list/ |archive-date=16 March 2024 }} by the end of the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), 66 level crossings will remain.{{Cite web |title=Melbourne Level Crossing Map |url=https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1VXxXzwyyM5zSajCNuUedc3WQoSWBFjy- |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Google My Maps}} Over two-thirds of these grade separations were constructed between 1863 and 1918, with fewer than one level crossing removal per year between 1918 and 2015. The commitment by the government to remove 110 level crossings over sixteen years, by 2030, represents the fastest rate of crossing removals in Melbourne's history.{{Cite journal |last1=Woodcock |first1=Ian |last2=Stone |first2=John |date=2016 |title=The Benefits of Level Crossing Removal: lessons from Melbourne's historical experience |url=https://researchrepository.rmit.edu.au/esploro/outputs/9921860675101341 |journal=University of Melbourne/RMIT University |pages=13 |via=RMIT Researchbank |access-date=6 December 2022 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206120308/https://researchrepository.rmit.edu.au/esploro/outputs/9921860675101341 |url-status=live }}
History
= 2014 election commitments =
File:Z2 101 crossing Kooyong Station level crossing.jpg, Kooyong was not included on the original removal list, despite being marked as a priority by VicRoads.|alt=A Z-Class tram crossing the tram-train level crossing at Kooyong Station.]]
In June 2014, five months prior to the Victorian state election, VicRoads compiled a report of the most dangerous level crossings in Victoria and handed it to the Napthine Liberal-Nationals government.{{cite web |title=Strategic framework for the prioritisation of level crossings in metropolitan Melbourne |url=http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/pomsc/Other_Docs/VicRoads_Report_05102015.pdf |website=Parliament of Victoria |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313075632/http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/pomsc/Other_Docs/VicRoads_Report_05102015.pdf |archive-date=13 March 2017}} In its 2014 state election manifesto, the then Labor opposition announced that, if elected, it would remove 50 level crossings by grade separation, with 20 to be removed by 2018. Although the majority of crossings announced by Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews were included in the priority list, ten of the crossings highlighted by VicRoads were not on the opposition's list.{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/level-crossings-vicroads-list-of-melbournes-worst-overlooked-by-labor-20151023-gkh3s1.html|last=Carey|first=Adam|date=26 October 2015|title=Level crossings: VicRoads list of Melbourne's worst overlooked by Labor|newspaper=The Age|access-date=7 January 2017|archive-date=23 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523011252/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/level-crossings-vicroads-list-of-melbournes-worst-overlooked-by-labor-20151023-gkh3s1.html|url-status=live}} The sites of all 50 level crossing removals were progressively announced over the following two years after the election of the Andrews government in November 2014.{{Cite web |last=Moorabbin Kingston Leader |date=6 September 2016 |title=Level Crossing Removal Authority releases plans for Frankston line |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/level-crossing-removal-authority-releases-plans-for-frankston-line/news-story/21d8af26190121d9c8343bedf66fb038 |access-date=22 November 2022 |archive-date=2 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102150729/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/level-crossing-removal-authority-releases-plans-for-frankston-line/news-story/21d8af26190121d9c8343bedf66fb038 |url-status=live }}
In September 2016, the Port of Melbourne lease concluded, providing $9.7 billion for infrastructure, including funding for the remaining 30 level crossing removals to be completed by mid-2022.[http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/promise-delivered-port-of-melbourne-leased-to-remove-level-crossings-and-create-thousands-of-jobs/ Promise Delivered: Port Of Melbourne Leased To Remove Level Crossings And Create Thousands Of Jobs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206072654/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/promise-delivered-port-melbourne-leased-remove-level-crossings-and-create-thousands-jobs |date=6 December 2022 }} Premier of Victoria 19 September 2016
= 2018 election commitments =
File:Level crossing removal signs at Cramer Street, Preston.jpg will be removed.|alt=A large yellow sign next to the Cramer Street, Preston level crossing indicating that it will be removed.]]
In October 2018, the LXRP surpassed the State Government's 2014 election commitment of removing 20 level crossings by 2018, having officially removed 29 crossings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/25-more-rail-level-crossings-to-go-under-labor-pledge-20181021-p50b07.html|title=Another 25 rail level crossings to go under Labor pledge|last=Towell|first=Craig Butt, Noel|date=21 October 2018|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=28 October 2018|archive-date=22 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022153453/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/25-more-rail-level-crossings-to-go-under-labor-pledge-20181021-p50b07.html|url-status=live}} In the lead up to the 2018 state election, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews pledged to remove a further 25 level crossings across Melbourne at a cost of $6.6 billion by 2025. The locations of the additional removals were announced progressively over the course of 2018 through a new prioritisation framework based on safety, congestion, and proximity to emergency services.{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-21/new-melbourne-level-crossing-removals-to-include-sky-rail/10401896|title=Andrews pledges 25 new level crossing removals in Melbourne|date=21 October 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=28 October 2018|language=en-AU|archive-date=31 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031035950/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-21/new-melbourne-level-crossing-removals-to-include-sky-rail/10401896|url-status=live}}
= 2021 additional commitments =
In July 2021, the State Government announced the removal of an additional ten level crossings and four closures by the end of 2025 at a cost of $2.5 billion. These removals will include the reconstruction of five stations across the network, with stations to be rebuilt at Croydon, Keon Park, Narre Warren, Parkdale, and Ringwood East. At the conclusion of these additional 35 removals, the Pakenham, Cranbourne, and Lilydale lines will have no road level crossings for their entire length, with these announcements pushing the number of crossing removals to 85 by 2025.{{cite web |title=10 more level crossings to go by 2025 |url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/10-more-level-crossings-to-go-by-2025 |access-date=30 July 2021 |website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au |date=29 July 2021 |archive-date=30 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730004647/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/10-more-level-crossings-to-go-by-2025 |url-status=live }}
= 2022 election commitments =
{{Hatnote|These opening dates and removal methods were announced prior to the 2022 election. As these dates and methods change on a regular basis, for updated specifics, visit the list of crossing removals below.}}
In the lead up to the 2022 state election, the Andrews government announced a further 25 level crossing removals, bringing the total number of removals to 110 by 2030. Many of these removals will be delivered together and include a number of closures. In September 2022, the premier announced eight crossings would be removed in Brunswick on the Upfield line.{{Cite web |title=Eight More Dangerous Level Crossings To Go By 2027 {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/eight-more-dangerous-level-crossings-go-2027 |access-date=19 September 2022 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=19 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919000058/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/eight-more-dangerous-level-crossings-go-2027 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Eddie |first=Rachael Dexter, Rachel |date=19 September 2022 |title=Eight level crossings to be removed in Melbourne's north |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/eight-level-crossings-to-be-removed-in-melbourne-s-north-20220919-p5bj6c.html |access-date=19 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=19 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919085427/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/eight-level-crossings-to-be-removed-in-melbourne-s-north-20220919-p5bj6c.html |url-status=live }} The eight crossings would be removed by 2027 (later revised to 2030) and would include the rebuilding of Jewell, Brunswick, and Anstey stations. The government announced elevated rail would be built along the corridor from Royal Park to Moreland Road, meeting the elevated rail built as part of the 2022 level crossing removal works, and would include an upgrade of the Upfield Bike Path.
In October 2022, the government committed to removing an extra four level crossings on the Ballarat line between Caroline Springs and Melton stations by 2028. Proposed removal methods for the level crossings at Exford Road and Coburns Road is by constructing a rail trench (since revised to a rail bridge) and lowering Melton station, while the roads will be elevated over tracks to get rid of the Hopkins Road and Ferris Road level crossings.{{Cite web |date=6 October 2022 |title=Making Melton level crossing-free |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/making-melton-level-crossing-free |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006013408/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/making-melton-level-crossing-free |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=6 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} Seven more crossing removals and two closures were announced in October 2022 for the Frankston line.{{Cite news |date=9 October 2022 |title=Victorian opposition pledges to cap public transport fares at $2 a day |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-09/victorian-election-promises-2-dollar-public-transport/101516028 |access-date=27 October 2022 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009231822/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-09/victorian-election-promises-2-dollar-public-transport/101516028 |url-status=live }} These level crossings would be removed by 2029 and would make the line level crossing free for its entire length. Four stations will be rebuilt as part of the removals at Highett, Mordialloc, Aspendale and Seaford.{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=The National |date=8 October 2022 |title=Making Frankston Line Level Crossing Free |url=https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/making-frankston-line-level-crossing-free/?tt=1665272712 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009012550/https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/making-frankston-line-level-crossing-free/?tt=1665272712 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=9 October 2022 |website=The National Tribune |language=en-AU}}
On 21 and 25 October 2022, the Andrews government announced an additional two level crossing removals for the Sunbury line and one on the Hurstbridge line. These crossings are located at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest, and Ruthven St, Macleod. These crossings will be removed by 2026 via the construction of a road bridge for the Sunbury line removals and a rail bridge for the Hurstbridge line. At the conclusion of these removals, the Sunbury line will be fully level crossing free.{{Cite web |date=21 October 2022 |title=Making the Sunbury Line level crossing-free |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/making-the-sunbury-line-level-crossing-free |access-date=21 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=21 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021122353/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/making-the-sunbury-line-level-crossing-free |url-status=live }}
The government announced an additional three removals and two closures on the Werribee line on 27 October 2022.{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Ray |date=26 October 2022 |title=All Werribee Line crossings set for removal |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/all-werribee-line-crossings-set-for-removal/ |access-date=27 October 2022 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027233004/https://www.railexpress.com.au/all-werribee-line-crossings-set-for-removal/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=26 October 2022 |title=Werribee Line level crossing removals |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/werribee |access-date=27 October 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027233002/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/werribee |url-status=live }} Along with the four already removed on the Werribee line, these removals would make the line level crossing free by 2030, and allow for additional services and the construction of the Geelong Fast Rail project. The crossings at Hudsons Road, Spotswood, Maddox Road, Newport, and Maidstone Street, Altona. These crossings will be removed with a combination of rail over and road over, and will include a newly elevated Spotswood station.{{Cite web |title=Making The Werribee Line Level Crossing Free {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/making-werribee-line-level-crossing-free |access-date=26 October 2022 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025232033/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/making-werribee-line-level-crossing-free |url-status=live }} The crossings at Anderson Street, Yarraville, and Champion Road, Newport will be closed during the project. Pedestrian links will still remain with a plan to upgrade local roads to accommodate the closure of these crossings.
Governance
File:Landscaping on west side of Middle Gorge Station.jpg, opened as part of the Mernda rail extension in 2018.|alt=The landscaped forecourt of Middle Gorge Station.]]
The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) was formed in May 2015 as an administrative office of the then-new Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources to deliver the project.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2015/GG2015G018.pdf|title=Victoria Government Gazette – No. G 18 Thursday 7 May 2015|website=Victoria Government Gazette|date=7 May 2015|access-date=7 January 2017|page=74|archive-date=23 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023071726/http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2015/GG2015G018.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-15/removal-of-50-level-crossings-to-be-fast-tracked-through-/6106696|title=Melbourne level crossing removal plan to be fast-tracked, Government says|date=15 February 2015|newspaper=ABC News|access-date=7 January 2017|archive-date=3 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503083954/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-15/removal-of-50-level-crossings-to-be-fast-tracked-through-/6106696|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/about/about-the-authority|title=About the authority|publisher=Level Crossing Removal Authority|access-date=7 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227173054/http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/about/about-the-authority |archive-date=27 December 2016}}
Later, the LXRA led delivery of other rail projects, including extension of the South Morang line to Mernda, upgrades of the Hurstbridge and Cranbourne lines, as well as a rebuilt Frankston station. The authority also delivered a new stabling facility north of Wyndham Vale station and train storage at Kananook.{{Cite web |title=Wyndham Vale Train Stabling – Mcconnell Dowell |url=https://www.mcconnelldowell.com/projects/wyndham-vale-train-stabling |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=www.mcconnelldowell.com |archive-date=12 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212110834/https://www.mcconnelldowell.com/projects/wyndham-vale-train-stabling |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Bayside News |date=18 May 2020 |title=Train stabling facility finished |url=https://baysidenews.com.au/2020/05/18/train-stabling-facility-finished/ |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=Bayside News |language=en-AU |archive-date=12 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212110834/https://baysidenews.com.au/2020/05/18/train-stabling-facility-finished/ |url-status=live }}
The LXRA was abolished as an independent administrative office following the 2018 state election, and its functions were absorbed into the newly formed Major Transport Infrastructure Authority at the Department of Transport.{{Cite web |date=28 April 2021 |title=About the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/about/mtia |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031060240/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/about/mtia |url-status=live }}
Architecture and urban design
File:Bell Railway Station rebuild.jpg in Preston, showing stained glass windows behind the staircase that leads to the city-bound platform.]]
The LXRP has used several different design approaches to removing level crossings, tailoring designs to different urban settings around Melbourne.{{Cite web |last=Woodcock |first=Ian |date=Jan 2020 |title=On track: Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/level-crossing-removal-project/ |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=Architecture Australia |language=en |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222223923/https://architectureau.com/articles/level-crossing-removal-project/ |url-status=live }} Most projects, particularly those in the denser inner- and middle-suburbs, have involved lowering the rail line into a trench or elevating the rail line above the road. Some projects in outer suburbs, such as Gap Road near Sunbury station or Station Street near Beaconsfield station, have involved lowering or raising the road without altering the existing rail corridor. This is enabled by the additional space surrounding the railway line.
As noted by University of Melbourne researchers in 2016, the scale of the project had significant urban renewal implications for the city:
Each crossing removal affects, on average, at least a kilometre of rail corridor and, within the urban area, this usually includes a station. In some instances, topography has required the removal of more than one crossing to meet rail engineering requirements as well as longer sections of corridor becoming part of the works. On the face of it, this means that the current seventy-five crossing removals could result in seventy-five kilometres of transformed rail corridors and fifty-seven new stations – more than a quarter of Melbourne’s total.The researchers emphasised the urban benefits from new elevated rail over trenched rail, including the creation of new parkland and open space, arguing wider benefits could be achieved beyond reducing traffic congestion.{{Cite web |last=Rothenbury |first=Camryn |date=10 April 2018 |title=Level-crossing removals: learning from Melbourne's experience |url=https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/research/projects/completed/level-crossing-removals-learning-from-melbournes-experience |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=Melbourne School of Design |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173051/https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/research/projects/completed/level-crossing-removals-learning-from-melbournes-experience |url-status=live }} One study examined the local public health positive and negative impacts from the removal of level crossings on the Upfield line, including significant construction impacts.{{Cite web |last1=Browne |first1=Geoffrey |last2=Lowe |first2=Melanie |title=Level-crossing removals: a case study in why major projects must also be investments in health |url=http://theconversation.com/level-crossing-removals-a-case-study-in-why-major-projects-must-also-be-investments-in-health-149820 |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Conversation |date=22 January 2021 |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922091757/https://theconversation.com/level-crossing-removals-a-case-study-in-why-major-projects-must-also-be-investments-in-health-149820 |url-status=live }} The study found that by improving road connections the project could help induce more car usage, but that this could be offset by improving pedestrian and cycling connections.{{Cite journal |last1=Browne |first1=Geoffrey R. |last2=Lowe |first2=Melanie |date=1 March 2021 |title=Liveability as determinant of health: Testing a new approach for health impact assessment of major infrastructure |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195925520308246 |journal=Environmental Impact Assessment Review |language=en |volume=87 |pages=106546 |doi=10.1016/j.eiar.2020.106546 |bibcode=2021EIARv..8706546B |s2cid=233784494 |issn=0195-9255|url-access=subscription }}
File:New and old Moreland Stations during Level Crossing Removal Project, Coburg (51794614947).jpg|alt=The old heritage station is placed in front of the new black rail bridge.|Moreland railway station shows the integration of the heritage station into the new elevated design.
File:New Coburg Station main entrance (51794618747).jpg|alt=The entrance to the elevated Coburg station with a sign reading 'Coburg'|Entrance of newly elevated Coburg railway station.
File:Reservoir railway station level crossing removal 2020.jpg|alt=The newly elevated Reservoir railway station in the background.|Newly elevated Reservoir railway station.
File:Bonbeach Northbound View.JPG|alt=The lowered Bonbeach railway station with platform 1 in the background|Bonbeach railway station displays the project's sunken station designs.
= Awards =
The LXRP has received numerous awards for their different projects in the categories of sustainability, architecture, and urban design. The Reservoir station project was presented the 'Special Prize Exterior' award in the Passenger Stations category at the World Architecture and Design Award at the 2021 Prix Versailles.{{cite web |title=2021 Passenger Stations |url=https://www.prix-versailles.com/2021-passenger-stations |website=Prix Versailles |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213165508/https://www.prix-versailles.com/2021-passenger-stations |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=31 December 2021 |title=Fantastique Reservoir – world architecture and rail sustainability winner |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/fantastique-reservoir-world-architecture-and-design-award |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031110438/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/fantastique-reservoir-world-architecture-and-design-award |url-status=live }} The Toorak Road level crossing removal topped the infrastructure category of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects awards due to the design of the new public parkland, cycling paths, and open space.{{Cite web |date=19 July 2022 |title=Level crossings top landscape architecture awards |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/level-crossings-top-landscape-architecture-awards |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=30 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030111350/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/level-crossings-top-landscape-architecture-awards |url-status=live }} The elevated rail project from Moreland to Coburg stations saw landscape architects Tract win the Infrastructure Award of Excellence for their landscape and urban design work on the project, with the judging panel "particularly impressed with the urban renewal of the area".{{Cite web |date=11 July 2022 |title=2022 AILA Landscape Architecture Award Winners {{!}} Ace Contractors Group Pty Ltd |url=https://www.acecon.com.au/2022-aila-landscape-architecture-award-winners/ |access-date=31 October 2022 |language=en-AU |archive-date=31 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031110430/https://www.acecon.com.au/2022-aila-landscape-architecture-award-winners/ |url-status=live }} The Bell to Moreland project was also awarded a score of 98 points from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC), the highest rating ever awarded in Australia.{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Ray |date=13 June 2022 |title=Sustainability award for Bell-Moreland level crossing removal project |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/sustainability-award-for-bell-moreland-level-crossing-removal-project/ |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU |archive-date=31 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031110430/https://www.railexpress.com.au/sustainability-award-for-bell-moreland-level-crossing-removal-project/ |url-status=live }}
= Elevated rail =
File:Recreational space underneath the elevated rail lines of Clayton railway station, Melbourne in 2023.jpg in Melbourne's south-east]]
Some of the most significant changes to Melbourne's urban structure from the LXRP have resulted from the construction of large sections of elevated rail, something that was relatively rare in Melbourne. In 2016, the government announced that {{convert|8.3|km}} of elevated rail would be built in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs to remove nine level crossings on the Pakenham and Cranbourne rail corridor and build five new elevated stations at Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale, Clayton and Noble Park.{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=8 February 2016 |title=Melbourne sky rail: Many questions remain about Andrews government plan |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-sky-rail-many-questions-remain-about-andrews-government-plan-20160208-gmo67k.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172354/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-sky-rail-many-questions-remain-about-andrews-government-plan-20160208-gmo67k.html |url-status=live }}
Dubbed "sky rail" by opponents and some media outlets, the LXRP spurred significant local opposition due to concerns over visual and noise impacts, and lack of consultation.{{Cite web |last1=Woodcock |first1=Ian |last2=Stone |first2=John |title=The 'sky rail' saga: can big new transport projects ever run smoothly? |url=http://theconversation.com/the-sky-rail-saga-can-big-new-transport-projects-ever-run-smoothly-54383 |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Conversation |date=22 February 2016 |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921231511/https://theconversation.com/the-sky-rail-saga-can-big-new-transport-projects-ever-run-smoothly-54383 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Willingham |first=Richard |date=16 February 2016 |title=Sky rail: Premier Andrews stands by consultation process in face of anger |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/skyrail-premier-andrews-stands-by-consultation-process-in-face-of-anger-20160216-gmv6ou.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173148/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/skyrail-premier-andrews-stands-by-consultation-process-in-face-of-anger-20160216-gmv6ou.html |url-status=live }} The project became a political issue in the 2018 state election, although one opinion poll commissioned by The Age newspaper found 60% of Victorians supported the use of elevated rail to remove level crossings, and the government was returned at the election with an increased majority.{{Cite web |last=Willingham |first=Richard |date=4 September 2016 |title=Sky rail gets strong backing from voters |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sky-rail-gets-strong-backing-from-voters-20160904-gr89nx.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Courier |language=en-AU |archive-date=4 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204084509/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sky-rail-gets-strong-backing-from-voters-20160904-gr89nx.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Szego |first=Julie |date=10 February 2016 |title=Sky rail more an eye opener than an eyesore |url=https://www.theage.com.au/opinion/less-an-eyesore-than-an-eye-opener-sky-rail-would-open-more-melbourne-to-the-world-20160210-gmq1mi.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172255/https://www.theage.com.au/opinion/less-an-eyesore-than-an-eye-opener-sky-rail-would-open-more-melbourne-to-the-world-20160210-gmq1mi.html |url-status=live }} Prior to the election, the government announced more sections of elevated rail on the Pakenham line.{{Cite web |last=Preiss |first=Benjamin |date=1 November 2018 |title=Andrews targets key marginal with latest sky rail announcement |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/andrews-targets-key-marginal-with-latest-sky-rail-announcement-20181101-p50dbv.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172931/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/andrews-targets-key-marginal-with-latest-sky-rail-announcement-20181101-p50dbv.html |url-status=live }}
Some experts argued elevated rail offered a better urban outcome than trenched rail, providing opportunities for more open space, economic development, better local connections and less disruption from construction.{{Cite web |title=Rail lines over roads can help with more than just traffic jams |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/rail-lines-over-roads-can-help-with-more-than-just-traffic-jams/ |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=ArchitectureAU |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202215709/https://architectureau.com/articles/rail-lines-over-roads-can-help-with-more-than-just-traffic-jams/ |url-status=live }} The Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removals created a large new section of open parkland, dubbed a "linear park". This included {{Convert|22.5|ha|acre}} of new open space, sports courts, playgrounds, new walking and cycling trails, and expanded station forecourts.{{Cite web |last=Landezine International Landscape Award LILA |date=2019 |title=Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://landezine-award.com/caulfield-to-dandenong-level-crossing-removal-project-2/ |access-date=20 September 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171839/https://landezine-award.com/caulfield-to-dandenong-level-crossing-removal-project-2/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=13 November 2017 |title=Life under the viaduct: Melbourne's south-east Skyrail will get a 'green up' |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/life-under-the-viaduct-melbournes-southeast-skyrail-will-get-a-green-up-20171113-gzk4dl.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171415/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/life-under-the-viaduct-melbournes-southeast-skyrail-will-get-a-green-up-20171113-gzk4dl.html |url-status=live }} As part of the project, the Djerring Trail was created, a {{convert|17|km|adj=on}} shared-use path along the rail corridor. In the year after the elevated rail opened in 2018, the media reported that many residents, including some who were opposed to the project, were happy with the outcome and utilised the new open space.{{Cite web |last=Sakkal |first=Paul |date=12 May 2019 |title=More than a year on, has 'sky rail' turned suburbs into ghettos? |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/more-than-a-year-on-has-sky-rail-turned-suburbs-into-ghettos-20190509-p51lqm.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173211/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/more-than-a-year-on-has-sky-rail-turned-suburbs-into-ghettos-20190509-p51lqm.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Cowie |first=Tom |date=16 April 2018 |title=New sky rail station opens – and residents are happy about it |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-sky-rail-station-opens-and-residents-are-happy-about-it-20180416-p4z9wx.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173804/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-sky-rail-station-opens-and-residents-are-happy-about-it-20180416-p4z9wx.html |url-status=live }}
= Tree removal =
File:Lwr Plenty Road.jpg in 2018, with mature river red gums in background.]]
The removal of mature trees for level crossing removal works has been a source of controversy with some local residents and project critics.{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Clay |date=3 January 2021 |title=Anger grows as thousands of trees axed in transport building blitz |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/anger-as-thousands-of-trees-axed-in-transport-building-blitz-20210101-p56r6j.html |access-date=23 October 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023093956/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/anger-as-thousands-of-trees-axed-in-transport-building-blitz-20210101-p56r6j.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2 September 2021 |title=Why are trees dying at this Melbourne train station? |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-02/dead-trees-at-moreland-station/100425132 |access-date=23 October 2022 |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024001412/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-02/dead-trees-at-moreland-station/100425132 |url-status=live }} Due to the nature of the LXRP, trees need to be cut down or relocated from the site to allow for construction works. This is a particular issue for projects where the rail line is lowered into a trench, such as the planned level crossing removals near Glen Huntly station, which have required significant mature tree removal along the planned {{convert|1|km|adj=on|1|spell=in}} rail trench.{{Cite news |date=8 February 2022 |title=Level crossing removals: 600 trees to go for Glen Huntly trench |work=Herald Sun |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/iconic-plane-trees-paperbarks-along-frankston-line-glen-huntly-at-risk/news-story/1a2b70f3513c790e8e48606a436aae84 |access-date=24 October 2022 |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024033745/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/iconic-plane-trees-paperbarks-along-frankston-line-glen-huntly-at-risk/news-story/1a2b70f3513c790e8e48606a436aae84 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=20 June 2022 |title=Works notice – vegetation removal in Glen Huntly |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/level-crossing-removal-project/frankston/glen-huntly/works/works-notice-vegetation-removal-in-glen-huntly |access-date=24 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024032241/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/level-crossing-removal-project/frankston/glen-huntly/works/works-notice-vegetation-removal-in-glen-huntly |url-status=live }} An elevated rail design was chosen to remove the level crossings near Rosanna station in part to minimise the loss of native trees, as a proposed rail trench would have required the removal of hundreds of mature river red gum trees along the corridor.{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=28 September 2016 |title=Hundreds of red gums at risk if trench is built at Rosanna rail crossing |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/hundreds-of-red-gums-at-risk-if-trench-is-built-at-rosanna-rail-crossing-20160928-grqiqs.html |access-date=24 October 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024032242/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/hundreds-of-red-gums-at-risk-if-trench-is-built-at-rosanna-rail-crossing-20160928-grqiqs.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Koenig |first=Rick |date=7 February 2017 |title=Design finalised for Lower Plenty Rd level crossing removal |work=Herald Sun |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/design-finalised-for-lower-plenty-rd-level-crossing-removal/news-story/a6b24a801d60f9874de343fb4b055b2d |access-date=24 October 2022 |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024032240/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/design-finalised-for-lower-plenty-rd-level-crossing-removal/news-story/a6b24a801d60f9874de343fb4b055b2d |url-status=live }}
According to a newspaper report, more than 10,000 trees have been cut down since 2014 to allow for the construction of Victorian infrastructure projects—including hundreds of trees for the LXRP. During the level crossing removal at Moreland Road, a campaign against the removal of 100 mature trees was unsuccessful, with a local councillor claiming only three or four trees remained at the conclusion of the project. In response, the government has stated more trees were planted than were there originally, as part of expanded parkland at the site. The state opposition has highlighted and campaigned on tree loss due to major infrastructure projects.
= Railway heritage =
File:Historic Mentone Station.jpg at street-level as a heritage deck and park, above the newly lowered station.]]
The loss of heritage railways stations and the impact on heritage architecture has been a source of controversy and a key design consideration for the project. During the removal of a level crossing or rebuild of a railway station, heritage station buildings or existing railway infrastructure may be impacted. Some heritage buildings have been demolished, while others have been retained, moved or adapted for other uses, such as at Clayton and Mentone stations.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2 February 2022 |title=Station serves up a slice of history |url=https://baysidenews.com.au/2022/02/02/station-serves-up-a-slice-of-history/ |access-date=24 October 2022 |website=Bayside News |language=en-AU |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024021342/https://baysidenews.com.au/2022/02/02/station-serves-up-a-slice-of-history/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=14 June 2022 |title=TAFE class assist with Clayton Station restoration |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/station-restoration-in-clayton |access-date=24 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024021354/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/station-restoration-in-clayton |url-status=live }}
At the Warrigal Road level crossing removal, Kingston Council have called for heritage protection for the heritage Parkdale railway station buildings.{{Cite web |date=16 September 2022 |title=Council's call for Parkdale Train Station heritage protection refused |url=https://www.miragenews.com/councils-call-for-parkdale-train-station-856131/ |access-date=24 October 2022 |website=Mirage News |language=en-AU |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124094411/https://www.miragenews.com/councils-call-for-parkdale-train-station-856131/ |url-status=live }} This request has been denied by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning as well as Heritage Victoria on grounds that the structure is "not of state-level cultural heritage significance".{{Cite web |last=Cowburn |first=Brodie |date=21 September 2022 |title=Heritage hopes for train station dashed |url=https://baysidenews.com.au/2022/09/21/heritage-hopes-for-train-station-dashed/ |access-date=24 October 2022 |website=Bayside News |language=en-AU |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024104557/https://baysidenews.com.au/2022/09/21/heritage-hopes-for-train-station-dashed/ |url-status=live }} Nonetheless, in response to the local campaign to preserve the original heritage station building, the LXRP announced it would retain and repurpose the building within the precinct, although the extent of the retention is not clear.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=12 October 2022 |title=New design features old station building |url=https://baysidenews.com.au/2022/10/12/new-design-features-old-station-building/ |access-date=24 October 2022 |website=Bayside News |language=en-AU |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024021347/https://baysidenews.com.au/2022/10/12/new-design-features-old-station-building/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |date=1 October 2022 |title=Updated designs released for Parkdale level crossings |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/updated-designs-released-for-parkdale-level-crossings |access-date=24 October 2022 |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024104556/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/updated-designs-released-for-parkdale-level-crossings |url-status=live }}
Other crossing removals have had their heritage structures restored for reuse. At Moreland station, the original heritage station building that opened in 1884 was restored and turned into additional station facilities.{{Cite web |date=8 June 2022 |title=Bell to Moreland comes out on top! |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/bell-to-moreland-comes-out-on-top |access-date=24 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024104559/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/bell-to-moreland-comes-out-on-top |url-status=live }} Heritage restorations are common across the removals, with other examples including the signals box at Gardiner railway station turning into bike parking, and the station building at North Williamstown railway station being restored into community and station facilities.{{Cite web |date=21 June 2022 |title=Ferguson Street, Williamstown |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/ferguson-street-williamstown |access-date=24 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024104556/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/ferguson-street-williamstown |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=22 June 2022 |title=Burke Road, Glen Iris |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/burke-road-glen-iris |access-date=24 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024104557/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/burke-road-glen-iris |url-status=live }}
= Crossing closures =
The use of road closures to remove level crossings has been a source of controversy. The government has used crossing closures in select cases where there are nearby crossing removal projects or existing grade-separated major roads. For example, the crossings at Anderson Street, Yarraville, and Champion Road, Newport will be closed at the same time as the rail line will be elevated above Hudsons Road in nearby Spotswood and at Maddox Road in Newport with new grade-separated pedestrian and cycling crossings also built. According to the government, this solution is required is due to the constrained site, significant heritage impacts that would arise from grade separation, and the relatively low level of car traffic on the roads. Some local residents, however, have objected to the road closures, arguing there would be significant impacts to local car journeys.{{Cite web |date=27 October 2022 |title='It would divide our community': Newport locals slam level crossing removal |url=https://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/programs/drive/newport-champion-road-level-crossing-removal/101586900 |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=ABC Melbourne |language=en-AU |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112074959/https://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/programs/drive/newport-champion-road-level-crossing-removal/101586900 |url-status=live }} Similar objections were raised during the 2022 state election by the state opposition over the closure of Latrobe Street in Cheltenham, which similarly is located close to two other grade separated crossings completed in 2020. Local businesses, residents and the City of Greater Dandenong have petitioned against the closure of Progress Street in Dandenong, arguing there are safety and congestion concerns.{{cite news |last1=Lucadou-Wells |first1=Cam |title=Level-crossing redesign still 'dangerous' |url=https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2023-12-20/level-crossing-redesign-still-dangerous/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=Dandenong Star Journal |date=20 December 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Foladi |first1=Sahar |title='Dangers' posted on Progress Street |url=https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2023-12-01/dangers-posted-on-progress-street/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=Dandenong Star Journal |date=30 November 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Foladi |first1=Sahar |title=Council calls for halt to Progress |url=https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2023-08-14/council-calls-for-halt-to-progress/ |access-date=2 February 2025 |work=Dandenong Star Journal |date=13 August 2023}}
= New and amalgamated stations =
Due to a large portion of level crossings also having adjacently located stations, many stations have been rebuilt as part of the project. Rebuilt stations have subsequently delivered improve facilities for passengers, including new toilet facilities, drinking fountains, increased levels of accessibility, better integration with surrounding transport connections, and higher quality architectural designs, amongst other benefits.{{cite web |title=Murrumbeena Rail Station LXRP |url=https://www.mascoteng.com.au/case-study/murrumbeena-station-upgrade/ |website=Mascot Engineering |access-date=25 March 2024}}
Whilst the majority of stations demolished as part of the project have been rebuilt and reopened, a few projects have resulted in the amalgamation of stations. Whilst controversial, these instances have usually only occurred due to the close proximity between existing stations, reducing the negative impact on users. Amalgamated stations have allowed for improved station locations, faster journey times, and higher quality facilities.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2022-06-15 |title=Union Road, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert – selecting the best design |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/level-crossing-removal-project/bel-lil/mont-albert-surrey-hills/community-updates-and-fact-sheets/union-road,-surrey-hills-and-mont-albert-road,-mont-albert-selecting-the-best-design |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} One amalgamation has included Mont Albert and Surrey Hills stations on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines. In 2023, these two stations were closed and amalgamated into the new Union station located in-between the two former locations as part of the removals of Mont Albert and Union roads project.{{cite web |title=Union Road, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert |url=https://engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-surrey-hills-and-mont-albert |website=Engage Victoria |access-date=25 March 2024 |language=en}} This amalgamation has received criticism, with opponents highlighting how the increased distances from the two shopping centres on Union Road and Hamilton Street will negatively impact local mobility.{{cite web |title=Union Road, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert level crossing removals Submission from Boroondara City Council |url=https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/media/69626/download?inline |publisher=Boroondara City Council |access-date=25 March 2024}} Despite community criticism, this project was completed in 2023 with the removal of two level crossings and the opening of the new Union station.
Reception
= Political =
File:HCMT Approaches Carnegie.jpg approaches platform 2 at the newly elevated Carnegie railway station.]]
The LXRP has generally been seen as a political success for the Andrews government. Journalist Benita Kolovos argued it was the quick rollout of the program and the visible, tangible benefits it delivered to communities that drove its electoral success.{{Cite web |last=Kolovos |first=Benita |date=1 April 2022 |title=Analysis: Australia's busiest state government goes into hibernation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/apr/02/australias-busiest-state-government-goes-into-hibernation-not-just-isolation |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112111822/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/apr/02/australias-busiest-state-government-goes-into-hibernation-not-just-isolation |url-status=live }} She wrote: "It was promised at the 2014 election, construction began in the first year of the Andrews government’s term and several were completed before the 2018 election. Commuters benefited from more trains, drivers from less traffic." The government's messaging on the project has focused on these localised benefits, public safety, and the prevalence of level crossings within Melbourne. Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said in 2021: "Every Victorian knows the dinging sound of boom gates coming down and the frustration that comes with it, that’s why we’re getting rid of them – saving lives, easing congestion and getting you home sooner."{{Cite web |last=Andrews |first=Daniel |date=29 July 2021 |title=Premier of Victoria: Ten More Level Crossings To Go By 2025 |url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/ten-more-level-crossings-go-2025 |access-date=12 November 2022 |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024063521/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/ten-more-level-crossings-go-2025 |url-status=live }}
But controversy over design choices and the cost of the project has also prompted opposition. Liberal MP Brad Rowswell criticised the Andrews government for a lack of community consultation and local feedback on the project and claimed that the government was out of touch with the community.{{Cite web |last=Staszewska |first=Ewa |date=4 November 2022 |title='Dictate from their ivory tower': Andrews upsets marginal Melbourne seat |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/liberal-mp-criticises-daniel-andrews-government-as-removed-from-reality-over-victorian-bayside-level-crossing-closure/news-story/01ad910442ea80749c315722cf3166b9 |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Sky News |language=en |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106103527/https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/liberal-mp-criticises-daniel-andrews-government-as-removed-from-reality-over-victorian-bayside-level-crossing-closure/news-story/01ad910442ea80749c315722cf3166b9 |url-status=live }} Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure David Davis criticised the project for its cost, arguing that “without a comprehensive business case, there is simply no proper economic justification for the Level Crossing Removal Program".{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Davis |date=14 October 2020 |title=Press release: Allan and level crossing cowboys oversee a billion dollar blowout |url=https://vic.liberal.org.au/media-releases/2020-10-14-allan-and-level-crossing-cowboys-oversee-a-billion-dollar-blowout?topic=public-transport |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=vic.liberal.org.au |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106102027/https://vic.liberal.org.au/media-releases/2020-10-14-allan-and-level-crossing-cowboys-oversee-a-billion-dollar-blowout?topic=public-transport |url-status=live }} The ongoing disruption of roadworks for the project was also an issue in some suburbs.{{Cite web |last1=Wahlquist |first1=Calla |last2=Bowers |first2=Mike |date=2018 |title=Victorian election 2018: On the ground in Cranbourne part 1 |url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2018/oct/31/victorian-election-2018-on-the-ground-in-cranbourne-part-1 |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112111826/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2018/oct/31/victorian-election-2018-on-the-ground-in-cranbourne-part-1 |url-status=live }}
= Media =
The Guardian Australia has called the program "transformational" and "suburb moulding" in comments about the Andrews government's infrastructure projects.{{Cite web |date=29 October 2022 |title=The Daniel Andrews paradox: the enduring appeal of Australia's most divisive premier |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/30/the-daniel-andrews-paradox-the-enduring-appeal-of-australias-most-divisive-premier |access-date=2 November 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102101426/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/30/the-daniel-andrews-paradox-the-enduring-appeal-of-australias-most-divisive-premier |url-status=live }} Other local newspapers, such as The Age and Herald Sun, have been critical of the project and have highlighted local opposition in their reporting.{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=14 December 2017 |title=Level crossing removal program poor value for money: Auditor-General Andrew Greaves |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/level-crossing-removal-program-poor-value-for-money-auditorgeneral-andrew-greaves-20171214-h04ed0.html |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112111827/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/level-crossing-removal-program-poor-value-for-money-auditorgeneral-andrew-greaves-20171214-h04ed0.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Abbott |first=Lachlan |date=17 August 2022 |title=Barred from their own street, residents fume at handling of level crossing works |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/barred-from-their-own-street-residents-fume-at-handling-of-level-crossing-works-20220817-p5ban1.html |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172835/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/barred-from-their-own-street-residents-fume-at-handling-of-level-crossing-works-20220817-p5ban1.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=23 January 2018 |title=Just a minute: Level crossing project resulting in small time savings, data shows |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/just-a-minute-level-crossing-project-resulting-in-small-time-savings-data-shows-20180123-p4yys5.html |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112111838/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/just-a-minute-level-crossing-project-resulting-in-small-time-savings-data-shows-20180123-p4yys5.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Masanauskas |first=John |date=17 August 2022 |title=Melbourne's leafy east set for level crossing removal mayhem |work=Herald Sun |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbournes-leafy-east-set-for-level-crossing-removal-mayhem/news-story/9a74fb970bb887e2217bcf2c679fa70a |access-date=12 November 2022 |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112121846/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbournes-leafy-east-set-for-level-crossing-removal-mayhem/news-story/9a74fb970bb887e2217bcf2c679fa70a |url-status=live }}
= Experts and lobby groups =
The Public Transport Users Association has campaigned for level-crossing removals, and has welcomed the LXRP and its benefits to the public transport system, with spokesman Daniel Bowen highlighting how the projects "bring a lot of pluses to the wider community, and [how] it’s good to finally see progress on them."{{Cite web |date=15 December 2015 |title=Benefits to non-motorists from level crossing removals |url=https://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/15/grade-separation-benefits/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Daniel Bowen |language=en-AU |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106085420/https://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/15/grade-separation-benefits/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |first= |date=11 January 2016 |title=Level crossing removal – all options must be on the table {{!}} Public Transport Users Association (Victoria, Australia) |url=https://www.ptua.org.au/2016/01/11/level-crossing-options/ |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=Public Transport Users Association |language=en-AU |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112074954/https://www.ptua.org.au/2016/01/11/level-crossing-options/ |url-status=live }} The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria have also campaigned for level crossing removals, and have welcomed announcements of crossing removals.{{Cite web |last=AAP |date=19 August 2014 |title=Do more on Victorian transport: RACV |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/do-more-on-victorian-transport-racv/news-story/6fb8bb9f46538660b2f14c87c76a1515 |access-date=6 November 2022}}
Academics Ian Woodcock and John Stone have highlighted the benefits from the LXRP, including its urban design opportunities and how it has contributed to the revitalisation of public transportation in Melbourne.{{Cite web |last1=Woodcock |first1=Ian |last2=Stone |first2=John |date=2016 |title=The Benefits of Level Crossing Removal: lessons from Melbourne's historical experience |url=https://researchrepository.rmit.edu.au/esploro/outputs/report/The-Benefits-of-Level-Crossing-Removal-lessons-from-Melbournes-historical-experience/9921860675101341 |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=University of Melbourne, RMIT University |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112111839/https://researchrepository.rmit.edu.au/esploro/outputs/report/The-Benefits-of-Level-Crossing-Removal-lessons-from-Melbournes-historical-experience/9921860675101341 |url-status=live }} Other academics such as Monash University researcher Graham Currie have been critical of the project, arguing the travel time savings resulting from the project were low and did not justify the cost.
= Auditor-General =
File:Chelseastationnov2021 b.jpg platforms.]]
A report released in December 2017 by the Victorian Auditor-General's Office in the LXRP's original fifty level crossing removals found that the speed and cost of the project carried significant risks.{{Cite web |title=Managing the Level Crossing Removal Program |url=https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/managing-level-crossing-removal-program |access-date=1 November 2022 |website=Victorian Auditor-General's Office |language=en |archive-date=1 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101093250/https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/managing-level-crossing-removal-program |url-status=live }} The report criticised the Level Crossing Removal Authority for its haste in delivering the program, and found that the rapid pace of the project had contributed to a failure to properly assess the merits of each grade separation. In 2017, the project's cost was found to have increased to $8.3 billion, the project is more than 38% more expensive than its initial $5–6 billion estimated price tag.
The Auditor-General criticised the selection of crossings, stating that the value of the project was compromised by the apparent political motivation for some crossing removals at the expense of more dangerous or congested intersections.{{cite news |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |date=14 December 2017 |title=Level crossing removal program poor value for money: Auditor-General Andrew Greaves |work=The Age |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/level-crossing-removal-program-poor-value-for-money-auditorgeneral-andrew-greaves-20171214-h04ed0.html |accessdate=14 December 2017 |archive-date=14 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214182343/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/level-crossing-removal-program-poor-value-for-money-auditorgeneral-andrew-greaves-20171214-h04ed0.html |url-status=live }} In their report, the Auditor-General found that only 32 of the crossings chosen in the original 50 removals were featured in the top 50 of a 2008 list by the Department of Transport of the state's most dangerous level crossings. 28 of these were prioritised on a 2013 VicRoads removal list which was handed to the Napthine government.
Since these findings, the LXRP has developed and applied a transparent process to select sites for the additional level crossing removals. In a follow-up 2020 report, the Auditor-General stated the new process has improved the project’s cost-effectiveness because it uses delivery efficiency as one of the criteria for site selection.{{Cite web |last=Victorian auditor-general |title=Follow-up level crossing removal report |url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/file_uploads/20201014-Follow-up_level_crossing_removal_report_k2c4ZRcV.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=1 November 2022 |archive-date=1 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101091744/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/file_uploads/20201014-Follow-up_level_crossing_removal_report_k2c4ZRcV.pdf }} The Auditor-General noted the Department and the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority had fully addressed seven of its recommendations, partially addressed one and was working to address two more, but warned that the project had not completed a business case for its second batch of crossing removals so the economic benefits were unclear.
= Public =
While the LXRP has been broadly popular, local opposition has attracted significant media attention. Elevated rail has been controversial among some local residents and businesses, with protests over the removal of crossings on the Upfield line calling for a rail trench to be used instead.{{Cite web |title=Skyrail protest in Coburg {{!}} Hundreds of angry residents marched through Coburg to protest a Skyrail on the Upfield line through the northern suburbs. www.7plus.com.au/news #7News {{!}} By 7NEWS Melbourne {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSMelbourne/videos/skyrail-protest-in-coburg/1886776784746451/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106090340/https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSMelbourne/videos/skyrail-protest-in-coburg/1886776784746451/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Hundreds march down Melbourne highway in protest of Sky Rail construction |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/hundreds-march-down-melbourne-highway-in-protest-of-sky-rail-construction/fc8b264d-d437-4ca7-bed4-ac33079c6fff |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=www.9news.com.au |date=18 September 2016 |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106090341/https://www.9news.com.au/national/hundreds-march-down-melbourne-highway-in-protest-of-sky-rail-construction/fc8b264d-d437-4ca7-bed4-ac33079c6fff |url-status=live }} At the same time, polling has found a majority of Victorians supported the use of elevated rail to remove level crossings. In other examples, such as the Caulfield to Dandenong elevated rail project, local media reported that many residents were supportive of the project's outcomes.
List of crossing removals
=== Original 50 crossing removals: 2014–2022 ===
Prior to the 2014 state election, the then Labor opposition announced a plan to remove 50 level crossings by 2022, including 20 by 2018.{{Cite web |last1=Landy |first1=Sam |last2=Johnston |first2=Matt |date=20 October 2014 |title=Victorian state election 2014: Labor's key promises in detail |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-2014-labors-key-promises-in-detail/news-story/c905df37da58db80bce6016fc530c03d |url-status=live |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=Herald Sun |archive-date=14 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114022203/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-2014-labors-key-promises-in-detail/news-story/c905df37da58db80bce6016fc530c03d }} Park Road, Cheltenham, Mascot Avenue, Bonbeach, and Lochiel Avenue, Edithvale were added to the original 50 level crossing removals after further community consultations.{{Cite web |date=22 June 2022 |title=Charman Road, Cheltenham |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/park-and-charman-roads-cheltenham |access-date=19 September 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171632/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/park-and-charman-roads-cheltenham |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=21 June 2022 |title=Lochiel Avenue, Edithvale |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/lochiel-avenue-edithvale |access-date=11 December 2022 |publisher=Victoria's Big Build |archive-date=3 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203183202/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/lochiel-avenue-edithvale |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=21 June 2022 |title=Mascot Avenue, Bonbeach |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/mascot-avenue-bonbeach |access-date=19 September 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920184257/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/mascot-avenue-bonbeach |url-status=live }} This pushed the number of level crossing removals to 53. These removals were completed on the Glen Waverley, Frankston, Sunbury, Belgrave, Lilydale, Upfield, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Werribee, Craigieburn, and Mernda lines by May 2022.{{Cite web |last=Willingham |first=Richard |date=23 June 2015 |title=Three suburban train stations to be rebuilt underground: St Albans, Ginifer and Heatherdale |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/three-suburban-train-stations-to-be-rebuilt-undergound-20150623-ghv0la.html |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114020700/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/three-suburban-train-stations-to-be-rebuilt-undergound-20150623-ghv0la.html |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| colspan="2"|Line(s)
!Road !Nearest station !Solution !Date of completion |
|---|
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}};"width="0.5em"|
|Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Centre Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|McKinnon Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|North Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}};"width="0.5em"|
|Furlong Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}};"width="0.5em"|
|Main Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};"width="0.5em"|
|Hybrid |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};"width="0.5em"|
|Scoresby Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};"width="0.5em"|
|Blackburn Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};"width="0.5em"|
|Heatherdale Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};"width="0.5em"|
|Camp Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}};"width="0.5em"|
|Road over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Chandler Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Corrigan Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Heatherton Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Centre Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Clayton Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}};"width="0.5em"|
|Grange Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}};"width="0.5em"|
|Lower Plenty Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Grange Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Koornang Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Murrumbeena Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Poath Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Skye/Overton Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Thompsons Road |Road over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}};"width="0.5em"|
|Kororoit Creek Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Abbotts Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}};"width="0.5em"|
|Buckley Street |Road under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Seaford Road |Hybrid |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}};"width="0.5em"|
|Aviation Road |Road over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};"width="0.5em"|
|High Street |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Eel Race Road |Closed off |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Mascot Avenue |Closed off |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Station Street |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}};"width="0.5em"|
|Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Balcombe Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Charman Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Park Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};"width="0.5em"|
|Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};"width="0.5em"|
|Moreland Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}};"width="0.5em"|
|Werribee Street |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}};"width="0.5em"|
|Cherry Street |Closed off |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};"width="0.5em"|
|Road over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Bondi Road |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Lochiel Avenue |Closed off |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}};"width="0.5em"|
|Manchester Road |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}};"width="0.5em"|
|Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}};"width="0.5em"|
|Ferguson Street |Rail under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};"width="0.5em"|
|Clyde Road |Road under |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};"width="0.5em"|
|Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};"width="0.5em"|
|Bell |Rail over |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}};"width="0.5em"|
|Glenroy Road |Rail under |
=== Additional 25 crossing removals: 2022–2025 ===
During the lead up to the 2018 state election, an extra 25 level crossing removals were announced. These removals will occur on the Cranbourne, Pakenham, Upfield, Frankston, Mernda, Ballarat, Geelong, Sunbury, Belgrave, Lilydale and Barinsdale lines. This announcement will result in the Cranbourne line being fully level crossing free, with these announcements pushing the number of level crossing removals to 75 by 2025.
| class="wikitable sortable" | |
| colspan="2"|Line(s)
!Road !Nearest station !Preferred solution !Status !Date of Completion | |
|---|---|
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Evans Road |Road over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};"width="0.5em"|
|Munro Street |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};"width="0.5em"|
|Reynard Street |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};"width="0.5em"|
|Cardinia Road |Road over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Argyle Avenue |Rail under |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Chelsea Road |Closed off |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Swanpool Avenue |Closed off |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}};"width="0.5em"|
|Old Geelong Road |Closed off |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Greens Road |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};"width="0.5em"|
|Cramer Street |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};"width="0.5em"|
|Murray Road |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};"width="0.5em"|
|Oakover Road |Bell |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};"width="0.5em"|
|Fitzgerald Road |Road over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};"width="0.5em"|
|Robinsons Road |Road under |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}};"width="0.5em"|
|Gap Road |Road under |Completed | {{sort|2022-9|September 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2023-04-12 |title=Gap Road, Sunbury |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/gap-road-sunbury |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321082847/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/gap-road-sunbury |url-status=live }} |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};" width="0.5em" |
|Mt Derrimut Road |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};" width="0.5em" |
|Union Road |Rail under |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};" width="0.5em" |
|Mont Albert Road |Rail under |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Neerim Road |Rail under |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Glen Huntly Road |Rail under |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Camms Road |Road over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};"width="0.5em"|
|Main Street |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};"width="0.5em"|
|McGregor Road |Rail over |Completed | |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};"width="0.5em"| | Gippsland
|Racecourse Road |Rail over |Completed |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};"width="0.5em"|
|Webster Street |Closed off |Under construction |{{Date table sorting|2025}}{{efn|Webster Street will be closed to vehicle traffic at the level crossing in 2025 with a new nearby road underpass completed by 2026.}}{{Cite web |date=21 June 2022 |title=Webster Street, Dandenong |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/webster-street-dandenong |access-date=19 September 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172844/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/webster-street-dandenong |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Early works underway at Webster Street, Dandenong |url=https://levelcrossingremovalproject.cmail19.com/t/r-e-thjjhya-bktiliuhdt-y/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=levelcrossingremovalproject.cmail19.com}} |
=== Additional 10 crossing removals: 2023–2025 ===
Boosting the number of removals, the Andrews Labor government announced in July 2021 an extra 10 level crossing removals and 4 closures. These removals will occur on the Pakenham, Frankston, Mernda, Sunbury, Belgrave and Lilydale lines. At the conclusion of these removals, the Pakenham and Lilydale lines will join the Cranbourne line in having no road level crossings for their entire length, with these announcements pushing the number of crossing removals to 85 by 2025.
=== Additional 25 crossing removals: 2025–2030 ===
Prior to the 2022 state election, the State Government announced an extra 25 level crossing removals by 2030. These removals will occur on the Upfield, Ballarat, Sunbury, Hurstbridge, Frankston and Werribee/Williamstown lines. At the conclusion of these removals, the Frankston, Sunbury, and Werribee lines will have no road level crossings for their entire length, joining the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Lilydale lines, once projects on those lines are complete.{{Cite news |date=9 October 2022 |title=Victorian opposition pledges to cap public transport fares at $2 a day |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-09/victorian-election-promises-2-dollar-public-transport/101516028 |access-date=9 October 2022 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009231822/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-09/victorian-election-promises-2-dollar-public-transport/101516028 |url-status=live }} These series of announcements have pushed the number of crossing removals to 110.{{Cite web |date=19 September 2022 |title=Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project |access-date=9 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921194737/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=25 October 2022 |title=Making Macleod level crossing-free |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/making-macleod-level-crossing-free |access-date=25 October 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025061053/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/making-macleod-level-crossing-free |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| colspan="2"|Line(s)
!Road !Nearest station !Preferred solution !Status !Date of Completion |
|---|
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Old Calder Highway |Road over |Under construction |June 2025{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2023-10-10 |title=Old Calder Highway, Diggers Rest |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/diggers-rest |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417074743/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/diggers-rest |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Site establishment works continue in Diggers Rest |url=https://levelcrossingremovalproject.cmail20.com/t/r-e-tdptuhy-bktiliuhdt-y/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=levelcrossingremovalproject.cmail20.com}}{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |first= |date=2025-05-21 |title=Surface laid as bridge work enters home straight |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/surface-laid-as-bridge-work-enters-home-straight |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Watsons Road |Road over |Under construction |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Champion Road |Closed off |Under construction |2026{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2023-10-02 |title=Maddox Road and Champion Road, Newport |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/newport |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204051721/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/newport |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |first= |date=2025-01-14 |title=Site investigations continue in Newport |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/site-investigations-continue-in-newport |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};" width="0.5em" |
|Coburns Road |Rail over |Under construction |2026{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2023-11-27 |title=Melton level crossing removals |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/melton |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205091327/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/melton |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |first= |date=2024-12-02 |title=Melton Line level crossing removals kick off |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/melton-line-level-crossing-removals-kick-off |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};" width="0.5em" |
|Exford Road |Rail over |Under construction |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};" width="0.5em" |
|Ferris Road |Road over |Under construction |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};" width="0.5em" |
|Hopkins Road |Road over |Under construction |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Maddox Road |Rail over |Under construction |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Bear Street |Closed off |Planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|McDonald Street |Rail over |Planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Station Street |Rail over |Planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}};"width="0.5em"|
|Ruthven Street |Rail over |Under construction |2027{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2023-02-24 |title=Ruthven Street, Macleod |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/ruthven-street-macleod |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325073754/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/ruthven-street-macleod |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |first= |date=2025-01-10 |title=Boots on the ground at Ruthven Street, Macleod |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/boots-on-the-ground-at-ruthven-street-macleod |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Maidstone Street |Laverton{{efn|Laverton station is the closest station on the Werribee line express route to the Maidstone Street level crossing. The closest station geographically is Westona station located south of the level crossing on the Altona Loop.}} |Road over |Planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Hudsons Road |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Armstrongs Road |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Groves Street |Rail under |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Highett Road |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Latrobe Street |Closed off |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Station Street |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};"width="0.5em"|
|Wickham Road |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Albert Street |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Albion Street |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Anderson Street |Closed off |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Brunswick Road |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Dawson Street |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Hope Street |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Union Street |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Victoria Street |Rail over |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|Park Street |Rail over |Early planning |
New and rebuilt stations
There will be 51 railway stations rebuilt as part of the LXRP. Four stations are being added to the metropolitan network as part of suburban rail extensions delivered by the LXRP. Three of these stations, Hawkstowe, Middle Gorge and Mernda were added as part of the Mernda rail extension, which extended the former South Morang line {{convert|8|km|spell=in}} north to Mernda. The extension, announced by Labor at the 2014 state election, opened in 2018.{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=15 November 2016 |title=Hawkstowe is go: Third train station announced for Mernda rail extension |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/hawkstowe-is-go-third-train-station-announced-for-mernda-rail-extenstion-20161115-gspb8i.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173053/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/hawkstowe-is-go-third-train-station-announced-for-mernda-rail-extenstion-20161115-gspb8i.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Boseley |first=Matilda |date=1 April 2018 |title=Mernda train line ahead of schedule |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mernda-train-line-ahead-of-schedule-20180401-p4z7by.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173024/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mernda-train-line-ahead-of-schedule-20180401-p4z7by.html |url-status=live }} As part of the level crossing removals along the Pakenham line, a new station was added at East Pakenham along with a short rail extension.{{Cite web |date=19 June 2022 |title=Pakenham East Station location fact sheet |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/level-crossing-removal-project/pakenham/pakenham/community-updates-and-fact-sheets/pakenham-east-station-fact-sheet |access-date=20 September 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920182752/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/level-crossing-removal-project/pakenham/pakenham/community-updates-and-fact-sheets/pakenham-east-station-fact-sheet |url-status=live }} The LXRP also delivered a new infill station at Southland on the Frankston line.{{Cite web |last=Carton |first=Donna |date=24 November 2017 |title=Southland Station finally ready to open this Sunday |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/southland-station-finally-ready-to-open-this-sunday/news-story/dcf6efbe7ff1249510bbe9b8c0fc0d7d |website=Herald Sun Leader}} In one case, the nearby Mont Albert and Surrey Hills railway stations on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines were merged and replaced with a brand new Union station located between them.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2022 |title=A 'Union' of 2 communities and more open space in the heart of Union Road |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/a-union-of-2-communities-and-more-open-space |access-date=20 September 2022 |publisher=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920174048/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/a-union-of-2-communities-and-more-open-space |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Abbott |first=Lachlan |date=17 August 2022 |title=Barred from their own street, residents fume at handling of level crossing works |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/barred-from-their-own-street-residents-fume-at-handling-of-level-crossing-works-20220817-p5ban1.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172835/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/barred-from-their-own-street-residents-fume-at-handling-of-level-crossing-works-20220817-p5ban1.html |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| colspan="2" |Line(s)
!Station !Image !Status ! data-sort-type="date" |Completion date |
|---|
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Gardiner railway station - Melbourne b.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:K190 at McKinnon station Nov 2016 b.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Bentleigh railway station, Melbourne, Victoriain 2018, 02 b.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:New Ormond Railway Station.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Ginifer Railway Station (1 Nov 2021).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:St Albans Railway Station.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Bayswater Railway Station.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Eastbound rebuilt Heatherdale station.JPG |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Southland (new) |File:Southland Railway Station.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:New Noble Park railway station February 2018.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Clayton railway station, Melbourne, following level crossing removal, 2023.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Rosanna railway station Melbourne concourse during level crossing removal June 2018.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:New Carnegie railway station on the 18-06-2018 (2).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Frankston station 2021 b.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:New Murrumbeena railway station on the 18-06-2018 (2).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Hughesdale Railway Station Platform 2 - a - April 2019.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};" width="0.5em" |
|Hawkstowe (new) |File:Hawkstowe Station (2).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};" width="0.5em" |
|Mernda (new) |File:Mernda Station December 2021 1.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};" width="0.5em" |
|Middle Gorge (new) |File:Landscaping on west side of Middle Gorge Station.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Reservoir Southbound Platform 2, July 2024.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Carrum Station Platforms in March 2020 (1).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:March 2021 Mentone Station.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Cheltenham Station Entrance Melbourne 2020-11-07.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Coburg Northbound View.JPG |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Moreland Southbound View.JPG |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Lilydale railway station Platform 2 (northern view)(5 October 2024).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Mooroolbark railway station Platform 1 (western view)(5 October 2024).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Bonbeach Southbound View.JPG |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Chelseastationphoto b.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Edithvalestation2021 b.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:North Williamstown Northbound View.JPG |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:MerindaParkStationEntranceP1.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Hallam Westbound View.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Glenroy Northbound View.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};" width="0.5em" |
|Bell |File:Bell station eastern side building, August 2024.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Preston railway station eastern side of the station building (26 August 2024).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Deer Park Station Forecourt.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Greensborough Northeast.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Montmorency Eastbound.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};" width="0.5em" |
|Union (new) |File:Union station main entrance (2).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Glen Huntly Station October 2023 1.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Narre Warren New Platforms.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};" width="0.5em" |
|East Pakenham (new) | |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Pakenham Station June 2024 2.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Keon Park Southbound Platform 1, July 2024.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Ringwood East railway station Platform 2 (eastern view)(5 October 2024).jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
|Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}};" width="0.5em" |
|File:Croydon Railway Station 2024.jpg |Open |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Under construction |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Early planning |
| style="background-color:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}};" width="0.5em" |
| |Early planning |
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project Official website]
{{Melbourne public transport|state=collapsed}}
Category:Government agencies of Victoria (state)
Category:Government railway authorities of Australia
Category:Intermodal transport authorities in Australia
Category:2015 establishments in Australia