News
Springvale Road crossing reopens early to traffic
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Motorists will again be able to use Springvale Road at the Nunawading level crossing, with the road reopening to through traffic a week earlier than expected.
Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas and Federal Member for Deakin Mike Symon announced today that the road crossing was expected to reopen on Wednesday 23 September, weather permitting.
The crossing was to be closed to vehicles for 11 consecutive days of intensive construction work, however round-the-clock bridge preparation works in good weather has led to the fast-tracked reopening.
“The Brumby Labor Government, in partnership with the Rudd Labor Government, is taking action to deliver a better transport system so people can spend more time with family and less time in traffic,” Mr Pallas said.
“Bridge construction works over the weekend as part of the $140 million Springvale Road Rail Separation project have gone very smoothly.
“More than 120 tonnes of reinforcing steel was placed just north of the current level crossing over the weekend, with around 140 truckloads of concrete poured on Sunday night.”
Mr Symon said it was expected Springvale Road would be ready to reopen to traffic some time on Wednesday.
“This has been a superb engineering feat and great coordination involving hundreds of workers and dozens of suppliers,” he said.
“The new section of road bridge is at ground level and paves the way for future excavation to create the tunnel beneath, where new rail tracks will be laid for the relocated premium station.
“It’s yet another step towards delivering the Rudd Labor Government’s election commitment to fix this notorious intersection.”
The temporary closure has meant works were carried out safely and has avoided many more shorter-term road closures, ultimately meaning less disruption to drivers and the community.
The Rudd Labor Government contributed $80 million as part of its Nation Building Program to the Springvale Road Rail Separation Project. It is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $38 billion transport plan, with $60 million from the state towards the project.
