NOVEMBER 17, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
infocus Road to recovery I SPECIAL EDITION SEE INSIDE
Back to the movies It’s a box office hit. The Reading Cinemas Sunbury reopened last Thursday after nearly eight months of blank screens. Cinema manager Amelia Clarke couldn’t be more excited to welcome back film fanatics. “It’s a big relief. I can’t even explain how happy and excited I am and hopefully it will stay like that,” she said. “It’s been a long trek for the staff but we are back and everyone is really stoked.” While film lovers are able to return to the cinema auditorium, a trip to the movies will look a little different. Up to 20 people, socially distanced, will be allowed per theatre and in the foyer. Masks must be worn during the movie except when eating and drinking. “We will also be disinfecting every cinema after each use [and] … every seat will be allocated which is very important,” Ms Clarke said. “We will still have popcorn in the boxes but we will have bags to make sure it is covered.” Ms Clarke encouraged people to book tickets online to avoid disappointment. Details: readingcinemas.com.au/
Reading Cinemas Sunbury’s Bridget Byrne, Amelia Clarke and Sydelene Igno. (Damjan Janevski) 220716_01
Jessica Micallef
Crossing on the way out By Jessica Micallef Works to begin removing the “notorious” Gap Road level crossing are ahead of schedule. Construction on the project will begin next year, with the level crossing expected to be removed by late 2022 and the remaining works completed in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 completion date. Gap Road will be lowered under the rail line to preserve the character of the heritage-listed Sunbury station, improve safety and ease congestion. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Gap
Road level crossing each day, with the number expected to reach 27,000 in 2026, according to state government data. The level crossing removal is being delivered with the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, which includes platform extensions, train stabling modifications and rail track power upgrades at Sunbury station to enable bigger and more modern trains to run on the line. The line is expected to transport up to 113,000 passengers in peak hours every week when the Metro Tunnel is open. An additional 400 parking bays for commuters, shoppers and visitors will also be
built on the parking lot behind Harris Scarfe, Sunbury to improve access to public transport. Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the projects will be a big boost for local jobs. “This notorious level crossing has been leaving Sunbury residents stranded in traffic for far too long,” she said. “These works will be a congestion-buster for the community … [and] will support thousands of jobs building the projects we need.” Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the station upgrade and level crossing removal would make commuting in and out of Sunbury easier.
“We are delivering both of these important transport projects together to reduce disruption to our community and get better outcomes for rail passengers, road users and residents faster,” he said. The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth crossing removed on the Sunbury line and is one of 75 “dangerous and congested” level crossings across Melbourne to be gone by 2025. Feedback on the project is now open and will close on Sunday, November 29. To have your say, visit: bigbuild.engage.vic. gov.au or call 1800 105 105.
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