The Allan Labor Government has officially removed its 85th dangerous and congested level crossing, marking a major step forward in one of Victoria’s most transformative infrastructure projects.
Dylan Anderson
The Station Street level crossing in Beaconsfield has been eliminated for good, replaced by a brand-new road bridge on McKenna Drive, connecting Beaconsfield Avenue to Kenilworth Avenue over the Pakenham Line. The new bridge is now open to traffic, improving safety and easing congestion in Melbourne’s south-east.
With this upgrade, the Pakenham Line is on track to become level crossing free by the end of 2025, with just two sets of boom gates remaining.
Proven Safety and Congestion Benefits
New safety data reveals that the Level Crossing Removal Project is significantly improving road and rail safety. Since the program’s launch, it has:
- Prevented an estimated 111 crashes and near misses annually
- Reduced average boom gate downtime by 55 hours each morning peak
- Cut train and vehicle collisions and near misses by almost 80% since 2019 (from 11 to 2 incidents per month)
Dylan Anderson
A State-Shaping Investment
The Level Crossing Removal Project is one of the largest rail infrastructure undertakings in Victoria’s history. To date, it has:
- Created over 6,000 jobs
- Delivered 104 million hours of construction work
- Built 54 new or upgraded stations
- Installed 60km of new walking and cycling paths
- Created 7,000 commuter car parks
- Planted 3.4 million grasses and shrubs and 27,000 trees
- Unlocked space equal to 20 MCGs for open public use
Later this year, Pakenham Line commuters will benefit from five new underground stations when the Metro Tunnel opens, further transforming travel in the south-east.
The government remains committed to removing 110 level crossings by 2030, enhancing transport safety, reliability, and liveability across Melbourne.
Dylan Anderson
What Leaders Are Saying
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams:
“In 2021 we made a promise to get rid of 85 level crossings by 2025 and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
“Getting rid of the Station Street, Beaconsfield level crossing brings the Pakenham Line one step closer to being boom gate free in 2025, transforming journeys in our city’s south east.”
Member for South-East Metropolitan Region Michael Galea:
“Getting rid of the Station Street boom gates will benefit Beaconsfield residents by making local streets safer and journeys smoother.”
To learn more about the project and what’s next, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
