Greg Tantala – Communications Advisor at the Level Crossing Removal Authority gave an .jpg)
interesting and detailed talk about what we can expect to see with all the work being done.
Because we are the Rotarians, naturally we are interested in what is happening in our community. Over the course of eight years the Level Crossing Removal Authority will oversee the removal of 50 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne.
Ten level crossings have already been removed with many more in construction, planning and early consultation. levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ - http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/
Crossings to be removed are: South Gippsland Highway, Dandenong South, Hallam Road, Hallam and Clyde Road, Berwick. Construction to start in 2020 and all crossings to be removed by 2022.
Key recommendations from the panel include: Seven dedicated recreation spaces that appeal to all ages and cater for both active and relaxing activities - New facilities that address things lacking in the surrounding areas – like more green space in the City of Glen Eira, outdoor event space in Clayton, and dog parks for Clayton and Noble Park - Native species planted in a way that encourages birds to move and feed along the park -A new walking and cycling path running all the way between Caulfield and Yarraman with exercise pit stops, rest areas and bike repair stations.
Local communities, traders and residents have provided valuable input to the project. Feedback has covered a range of topics including design, public open space, local parking, noise, safety and environment.
During consultation: Over 2,200 people attended consultation sessions - 170 local residents met with us one on one - 1,573 written submissions were received - 2,200 people participated in a phone survey - Over 1000 face-to-face interviews were conducted.
Bernhard Held – Senior Project Manager - showed all the ways of creating the new train crossings. Slides were shown of the area prior to the new train crossing then photos of the overhead train crossing over the road and the new station created too. Really amazing how they are all being planned and built.
There was a great deal of information shared but perhaps more interesting is the following:
ELEVATED RAIL
- An overall reduction in noise throughout the rail corridor and surrounding area.
- An overall improvement in local air quality compared to pollutants generated by current rail operations.
- Slim line piers to minimize the impact on visual amenity and overshadowing.
- Dual independent elevated track to allow sunlight and rain to reach trees, gardens, playgrounds, and community facilities underneath.
- Barriers along the length of the elevated rail structure to protect against derailment.On 5 January 2017 Authority released the completed elevated rail design, which will deliver the following:
- An overall reduction in noise throughout the rail corridor and surrounding area.
- An overall improvement in local air quality compared to pollutants generated by current rail operations.
- Slim line piers to minimise the impact on visual amenity and overshadowing.
- Dual independent elevated track to allow sunlight and rain to reach trees, gardens, playgrounds, and community facilities underneath.
- Barriers along the length of the elevated rail structure to protect against derailment and reduce noise generated from train wheels.
- The space between piers has been maximised to reduce the visible bulk of the structure. Spans will be around 40metres in length along the corridor and 27metres at the stations.
- Screening on the elevated structure will serve multiple purposes, including reducing noise, providing privacy for residents that abut the rail corridor and enhancing the overall look of the elevated rail structure. The entire elevated structure will feature treatments of varying heights. Designs and screening materials will be finalised in early 2017.It was an excellent presentation and when we are driving near the places where the new stations and train tracks have been completed we will surely notice a huge difference.
There were a great deal of questions from Rotarians at the meeting. Russell Dunn thanked both Guest Speakers and gave them each a gift from our Club.
It really was great to learn so much about how all this work is planned and then constructed.
Picture below is Clyde Road - Berwick
