Motorists are able to drive along Camp Road once again following the removal of the level crossing, but train users are in for another week of commuting pain.
Camp Road was closed to motorists on November 15.
A team of 300 people worked around the clock for two weeks to remove the level crossing, install foundations and construct a new road bridge deck, allowing the road to reopen last week.
Crews excavated more than 85,000 cubic metres of soil to create a new rail trench, while two piling rigs – each weighing 100,000 kilograms – were brought in to prepare the road bridge foundations.
The Upfield train line remains partially suspended, with buses to continue transferring passengers between Upfield and Coburg station until 6am on December 18. Public Transport Victoria has warned commuters that the replacement bus services could add up to 30 minutes to some journeys. When the rail line reopens, the tracks will have been lowered under the road.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the Camp Road level crossing was one of the most congested crossings in Melbourne.
“Soon this dangerous level crossing will be history, putting an end to the frustration and delays experienced by the 20,000 drivers that rely on Camp Road every day,” she said.
Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire thanked the community for its patience during the works. “While the biggest disruptions will last a month, the benefits will last forever,” he said.
