By Molly Magennis
The dangerous Ferguson Street level crossing in Williamstown is finally gone, with trains now stopping at the new North Williamstown station.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan and Williamstown MP Melissa Horne marked the milestone at the new North Williamstown Station yesterday, where from today, passengers will be able to catch the train from new, lowered platforms.
Ferguson street level crossing was identified by the government as one of 85 dangerous level crossings to be removed by 2025.
It has seen two fatalities, one collision with a cyclist and at least five near misses.
Now that cars and trains are separated, safety has been drastically improved for the 25,000 vehicles that use the intersection daily, the government said.
The new station will house PSO facilities and rail equipment, as well as feature ramps and stairs to connect to the new lowered platforms.
Old bluestone pavers from the old station were used to pave new footpaths around the station.
Works will continue into 2022 to install lifts.
A four-metre-wide shared use path will be installed through the precinct, connecting the station with key areas of Williamstown.
Crews will also continue to carry out landscaping works, planting 40,000 native plants and shrubs and more than 400 trees, plants and shrubs.
Secure bike storage will be installed, as well as a bike repair station and more bike hoops.
Ms Allan said while the Ferguson street level crossing saw some tragic incidents, it is now gone for good.
“Williamstown locals and visitors can enjoy better flowing traffic and an improvement in safety, just in time for Christmas,” she said.
Ms Horne said: “Trains are back up and running and stopping at the new station and the level crossing is gone forever – I thank our community for their patience, and I know we all won’t miss the sight of those boom gates.”
