Yarraville in Melbourne is set to eliminate boom gates by 2029 and build a new underpass for pedestrians and cyclists to maintain connectivity on both sides of the rail line.
According to the Victorian Government, Anderson Street is one of the most dangerous level crossings on Melbourne's rail network and has recorded one death and four serious injuries since 2006. There have also been an additional 26 near misses involving trains, pedestrians and vehicles since 2016.
Up to 50 trains pass through the intersection, causing congestion and delays for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
As part of early planning for the level crossing removal, the local community was asked to provide feedback through Engage Victoria on how they move around the area and what is important to them. This will help shape the designs for the new underpass.
Expert advice found that closing the level crossing was the best design solution for Yarraville due to the narrow rail corridor and densely built-up area.
The government said it was also offering opportunities to upgrade Yarraville Village, making the area “quicker, safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around” without the need for more waiting at the barrier gates.
Vehicles traveling to Yarraville Village from the west can cross the railway line via nearby Somerville Road and Francis Street.
In Melbourne's inner west, five level crossings will be removed in Newport, Altona, Spotswood and Yarraville.
Victoria's level crossing removal project will replace 110 “dangerous and congested” level crossings by 2030, 87 of which have already disappeared.