NEWS DESK
Line works will change lives Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au THE Labor state government’s pre-election pledge to remove eleven Frankston line level crossings will transform many suburbs along the rail line. Many commuters and road users understand the separation of road and rail at crossings will ultimately reduce travel times but the look and feel of the suburbs around train stations will also be changed forever. RMIT University lecturer on urban design Ian Woodcock says suburbs will be radically transformed after grade separations at rail and road intersections are complete. “It leaves a very long legacy... the suburbs are going to look a lot different than what they do now.” The office of the Victorian Government Architect released a two-page report last year, entitled Level Crossings Removals: Lessons Learned, which noted such projects should be “viewed as a catalyst for urban renewal” and planning should “establish a vision for the site that is broader than improving transport efficiency”. Mr Woodcock believes elevated rail lines are a better option than a “road over rail” solution since the former effectively frees up land under the railway tracks for other uses. “You can use the land for all kinds of stuff. You can create open public land there,” Mr Woodcock said. “You can put shops around the station area and integrate it better with the neighbourhood. There’s potentially a huge public benefit with elevated rail at
the right locations.” The office of the Victorian Government Architect takes the opposite view. Its report, lodged as part of a Victorian Design Review Panel series, stated “lowering a section of the rail corridor under an at-grade road is the most supportable solution in most circumstances”. The Level Crossings Removals: Lessons Learned report found an elevated road of rail structure is “often a cheaper solution” but “will have a significant physical presence and impact on a place”. Mr Woodcock said the digging of trenches to lower railway tracks disrupts habitats and can cause problems with waterways. “I don’t think construction costs are really the issue. What everyone should be arguing for is the best overall outcome for all concerned.” A triple social, economic and environmental cost-benefit analysis would show “it is better overall”, according to Mr Woodcock. The RMIT lecturer says elevated rail may not be possible at all level crossing sites. Last month the Andrews government awarded the contract to remove the first three level crossings along the Frankston line – at Bentleigh, Ormond and McKinnon – and a spokesperson for Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the rail line will be lowered at all three sites. Train stations will be rebuilt to give pedestrian access down to the platforms. The type of level crossing removal at the other eight Frankston line sites have not yet been decided. “The best way to remove a level
Track works: Frankston line commuters will soon regularly see engineering works at level crossings as part of grade separation projects. Picture: Gary Sissons
crossing depends on a number of factors including the geography of the local area, surrounding infrastructure, and the needs of the local community,” the spokesperson said. “We will work closely with the residents, businesses and construction contractors to determine the best way to remove these level crossings and make these communities safe, less congested and better places to live and work.” The state government has promised to
remove 50 level crossings across Victoria’s rail network within eight years with 20 to be gone within four years. The eleven Frankston line crossings to be removed are: North Rd (Ormond), Balcombe Rd (Mentone), Centre Rd (Bentleigh), Charman Rd (Cheltenham), Edithvale Rd (Edithvale), Eel Race Rd (Carrum), McKinnon Rd (McKinnon), Seaford Rd (Seaford), Skye Rd (Frankston), Station St (Bonbeach), Station St (Carrum).
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Suspect ‘workmen’ casing houses BURGLARS pretending to be workmen and wearing fluoro vests may be casing residential properties before robbing them, Kingston police say. Leading Senior Constable Robyn Ryan said three burglaries on Monday in the Aspendale Gardens – Watergardens areas could be linked to these suspects, who reportedly knock on doors during school hours and, if no one is home, simply walk around the back and force entry. Computer equipment, cash and jewellery were stolen by the men, described as early 20s with solid builds. Leading Senior Constable Ryan said similar burglaries at six-eight in Aspendale, Chelsea, Mordialloc and Parkdale homes had been reported over the past six weeks with a red Mazda “spotted in the vicinity”. Burglars also turn off the power to deactivate alarms, she said. “It would be wise to lock power boards and install movement lights to deter offenders.” Thefts from motor vehicles continue to frustrate police, who say residents need only lock their cars to thwart criminals. Four incidents in Chelsea Heights overnight Monday all related to unlocked cars parked in driveways. A wallet was stolen and credit cards used 4am Tuesday at a Wells Rd service station. Stephen Taylor
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