Melbourne level crossing removals: EES call for Brunswick–Parkville

Melbourne level crossing removals are entering another planning step for Brunswick and Parkville, with work continuing on the Upfield Line package.

As Rail Express reports, the project has been referred to the Victorian Minister for Planning, who will decide whether an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) is required.

In a government statement, officials said planning approvals are a standard part of every level crossing removal project and that the project team is working with relevant agencies to meet regulatory standards and requirements.

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The same statement points to the Victorian Environment Effects Act 1978 (EE Act), under which each project’s potential impacts are assessed across environmental, heritage, social and economic matters, with further detail set out in Planning.vic.gov.au guidance on Environment Effects Statements.

Environmental Effects Statement (EES) referral and criteria

The government said the project could meet two of the combined referral criteria for an Environmental Effects Statement (EES): visual amenity and heritage.

Upfield Line works: boom gates removal and rail bridge

On the Upfield Line, the project will remove eight sets of boom gates between Albion Street in Brunswick and Park Street in Parkville. The plan is to deliver this by building a 2.1-kilometre rail bridge that takes trains over the roads, as outlined on Victoria’s Big Build.

Stations and expected benefits of Melbourne level crossing removals

Two modern and accessible stations will be delivered in new locations in Brunswick as part of the works. The government said the level crossing removals will improve public and active transport, unlock two MCG stadiums’ worth of open space, and reduce travel time for 71,000 drivers each weekday.

The level crossings are due to be removed by 2030, with the new stations also opening by that date.

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