Aspendale crossing design is at the centre of Kingston Council’s call for the Victorian Government to review the planned approach to the Aspendale Level Crossing Removal Project.

Traffic at the Groves Street level crossing in Aspendale
Traffic waits at the Groves Street level crossing in Aspendale as a Metro train passes through. Photo: Victoria’s Big Build / Victorian Government

The council is advocating for an elevated rail solution⁠, saying it would better reflect community views and lessons from recent level crossing removal projects on the Frankston line.

A rail-under-road trench⁠ was announced for Aspendale in 2022. However, the council says a rail-over-road design would provide stronger results for the Aspendale community, local traders and the environment.

Kingston Council seeks a rail-over-road review

The position follows community consultation⁠ carried out by the council earlier this year. According to the council, more than three-quarters of respondents supported rail over road.

Mayor Georgina Oxley said the council wanted to engage constructively with the Victorian Government and review the project approach before final decisions were made.

“Our role is to speak up for our community and advocate for the best possible outcome for Aspendale,” Oxley said.

“Since this project was first announced, we’ve had the benefit of seeing how other level crossing removals have transformed neighbouring communities, and we’ve heard overwhelmingly from local residents about what matters most to them.

“That’s why we’re calling on the Victorian Government to collaborate with the council and reconsider the current approach and seriously examine a rail-over-road solution that would better connect our community, create valuable public space and deliver lasting benefits for Aspendale.”

The consultation process received more than 540 submissions. The council said 76 per cent of respondents favoured a rail-over-road solution.

Residents’ feedback focused on keeping strong links between Aspendale’s shopping village, the beach and the lifesaving club. Respondents also raised the need for more open space, better pedestrian and cycling access, and protection of the area’s coastal character.

Train passing the level crossing at Aspendale
A train passes the level crossing at Aspendale. Photo: Kingston Council

Community outcomes tied to Aspendale crossing design

Kingston Council said the final engineering approach should support nine outcomes: strengthening the neighbourhood activity centre; improving connections to the coast; creating new public realm and open space; making local movement safer; completing Kingston’s cycling network; securing the rail corridor as a habitat corridor; balancing parking with place; supporting a distinct Aspendale identity; and promoting climate resilience.

Oxley said level crossing removal projects should be treated as rare opportunities to improve local areas for the long term.

“Having experienced more level crossing removals than any other council, we know they are about much more than transport infrastructure. They are once-in-a-generation opportunities to improve how people move through a neighbourhood, strengthen local shopping areas and create better public spaces for the community to enjoy,” she said.

“Based on what we’ve heard from residents and what we’ve learned from other projects, we believe a rail-over-road solution offers the greatest opportunity to achieve those outcomes.

“The Victorian Government has an opportunity to work with us and deliver a project that not only removes a level crossing but also leaves a positive legacy for Aspendale for decades to come.”

Victoria’s Big Build describes the Groves Street, Aspendale project as a rail trench scheme and says a new Aspendale Station will also be built. The project is listed among future Frankston Line level crossing removals, with new stations also planned at Highett, Mordialloc and Seaford. The official Frankston Line project page says about 51,000 vehicles use these crossings each weekday, with boom gates down for up to 48 minutes of the morning peak, which helps explain why the design choice remains a local planning issue as well as a transport project.

The council has sent its advocacy position to the Victorian Government.