Another two level crossings will be removed on the Ballarat line, improving road safety and avoiding future near misses.
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A road underpass will be built at Robinsons Road in Deer Park, and a road overpass will be built at Fitzgeralds Road in Ardeer.
According to the Level Crossing Removal Authority, these two level crossings have an alarming safety record with 18 near misses since 2012.
A third level crossing in the area, at Mount Derrimut Road, has also been earmarked for removal.
Construction is expected to begin in 2021 and be completed in 2023, before work on the Mount Derrimut crossing to be removed by 2025.
The media release notes the upgrades "will allow for future improvements to the transport network including possible future upgrades of nearby roads and the Geelong-Ballarat line".
That's good news, according to Public Transport Users Association Ballarat convenor Ben Lever.
"The LXRA's renderings seem to show the Fitzgerald Rd overpass leaving enough space for a second track pair, and a wide enough space at Robinsons Rd for a second deck to be built," he said in a statement.
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"It's really crucial that in the next few years, the line to Melton is electrified to give suburban passengers a dedicated Metro service, and a new express track pair is built for regional trains to move quickly through the suburbs.
"This extra track pair would cut journey times across the board, for expresses and stopping trains, and would hugely improve reliability and punctuality for Ballarat passengers. Not to mention separating suburban and regional passengers would mean a lot less crowding for everyone.
"The electrification and extra tracks should be built as soon as possible, so that Melton trains can plug into the Melbourne Metro 1 tunnel when it opens in 2025."
Last year, the state government committed $100 million over four years to the Western Rail Plan, which will investigate upgrading the line to Melton to separate regional and future suburban trains.
The state government has promised more peak-hour trains to and from Ballarat when the project is complete, as well as off-peak trains every 40 minutes.
To view the plans, visit the Level Crossing Removal Project's website, and to have your say on the plans, visit Engage Victoria - public consultation closes August 7.
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