Jennifer Pittorino
Spotswood residents want to be treated as a community when it comes to the level crossing removal at Spotswood.
Neighbours Grace Guinto and Jared Redmond have set up a residents group to make sure communication remains clear as the project progresses.
“Since the announcement came out, we have been actively advocating for the community,” said Grace.
“We want to be treated as a community that actually wants the best outcomes for our residents and traders.
“We want to get on the front foot and have an impact on an outcome for our community.”
After two community consultation sessions, the residents said they were disappointed.
“Essentially it was disappointing in the fact that it was a one way conversation,” said Jared.
“Questions had to be submitted before the meeting and there was no chat function and no mediator within the conversation.”
Group members say they welcome the removal of the level crossing but want the best outcome for the community.
“It’s a matter of recognising that there are going to be nuances with what we’re after and what they are after,” said Grace.
“We just want to go through the consultation to see what works and what does not, and for them to actually listen and learn from that experience engaging with the Newport residents.”
A Spotswood community member Rex Allum on behalf of the community submitted a letter to the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) seeking clarification on a number of points.
The letter sought clarification on whether an elevated rail and station at Spotswood is possible after information that it may be impossible due to the train track gradient (incline) to the north of Hudsons Road.
The letter also asked if a trenched rail line and station is not a working alternative due to train service disruption during construction.
A LXRA spokesperson said, “We’re removing the dangerous and congested Hudsons Road level crossing by building a rail bridge and a brand new elevated Spotswood Station with modern and accessible facilities for passengers.
“We will continue consulting with the community as the project progresses.”
According to the LXRA, engineering assessments have shown an elevated rail bridge is the best solution for removing the Hudsons Road level crossing.
The LXRA said it will create opportunities for new community open space as well as new walking and cycling connections and will minimise disruptions for the community and traders during construction.
It confirmed that at Spotswood the rail line can be elevated and achieve acceptable gradients for rail operations.
