Level crossings removed in Blackburn and Heatherdale

Trains will begin operating between Blackburn and Ringwood in Melbourne’s east again after works were completed on the removal of two level crossings at Blackburn and Heatherdale Road.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan at Heatherdale’s brand new station, which has now become the eleventh new station opened by the Labor Government in the last two years.

Trains returned on Monday after the 41-day construction blitz where an estimated 800 staff excavated up to 80 Olympic swimming pools-worth of soil in order to lower the rail line, allowing trains to run underneath the road for the first time.

Blackburn and Heatherdale Roads have also reopened, and now operate without the dangerous boom gates that endangered commuters and affected traffic flow.

The $481 million package, which also removed two level crossings in St Albans, also upgraded Blackburn Station by installing a new drainage system to reduce flooding in the underpass and improving access in and around the station.

Premier Daniel Andrews was pleased to see the level crossings removed. 

“Two more of these relics of the past are now consigned to history where they belong.”

“We promised to remove 50 dangerous and congested level crossings and we are getting it done.”

Two new pedestrian bridges were constructed at Purches Street in Mitcham and Cottage Street in Blackburn, with another under construction at King Street/Oliver Avenue in Blackburn, making it quicker and safer to cross the tracks.

Whilst Blackburn and Heatherdale Roads have now reopened, commuters should still expect some late night disruptions as closures are still required to complete road and other finishing works.

View All »