Goya Dmytryshchak
The North Williamstown level crossing at Ferguson Street will be removed ahead of schedule by the end of the year.
Buses will replace trains between Newport and Williamstown from Friday, August 20 to Saturday, November 13 while works are completed.
The level crossing was originally slated for removal in 2022.
Works are under way to lower the rail line under Ferguson Street – this was was Hobsons Bay council and the community’s preferred option.
The project will include a new North Williamstown station with lowered platforms, plaza areas and landscaping.
More than 110 trains and 22,000 vehicles pass through the crossing each week day, according to government figures.
The crossing was the scene of a double fatality in the 1990s and has had five near-miss incidents in the past decade.
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne said the state government had been listened to the community.
“We have listened to the community and are pleased to be removing the Ferguson Street level crossing ahead of schedule,” she said.
“Whilst we always try and minimise disruption, we thank the community for their patience as we deliver this vital project.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said the government was removing 75 level crossings by 2025.
“The countdown is on to reach this incredible milestone, with these congestion-busting and safety-boosting projects bringing huge benefits for people all across our city.”
“The team has done an outstanding job removing 46 level crossings to date and we’re thrilled to remove 50 level crossings by the end of 2021 – one year earlier than we promised.”
Passengers and road users can find out if they’re affected by the works and plan their journey at bigbuild.vic.gov.au
