Final designs for the new rail bridge to replace the Ruthven Street level crossing in the Macleod suburb or Melbourne have been released, with early works now under way.
The plans, developed on behalf of the Victorian Government, aim to address safety issues and reduce congestion at one of Melbourne’s busy suburban crossings.
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The project will remove the Ruthven Street level crossing by constructing a rail bridge over the road.
Authorities estimate this will eliminate up to 30 minutes of boom gate downtime during morning peak periods and improve travel times for approximately 12,600 drivers each weekday.
Community consultation has played a part in the development of the final designs.
Local feedback resulted in features such as landscaped public areas, connections from Rosanna Parklands to Ellesmere Parade and Ruthven Street, as well as the inclusion of native plants and new seating.
More than 25,500 trees, shrubs, flowering plants and grasses are planned for the area as part of the landscaping.
The project will also see a new walking and cycling path constructed along Ellesmere Parade, linking Ruthven Street and Davies Street. This addition will create over 2km of active transport paths between Macleod and Rosanna.
A raised, signalised pedestrian crossing near the rail bridge will provide a safer and more accessible route for those crossing Ruthven Street.
Early works are under way, including the installation of site sheds and fencing, with major construction scheduled to begin later this year.
The boom gates are expected to be permanently removed, with trains set to begin running on the new rail bridge by 2027.
Victoria Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams said: “We’re making it easier for Victorians to get around Melbourne’s north-east – making Macleod boom gate free, building North East Link, and running extra services on the Hurstbridge Line.”
These works form part of the government’s wider plan to remove 110 level crossings in Melbourne by 2032.
Recent projects in the vicinity include removals at Grange Road, Alphington and Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna, and upgrades on the Hurstbridge Line.
