The level crossing has been closed since May 2020 when a train crashed through the heritage-style swing gates, with the state government promising $10.5 million to reopen 12 months later.

According to V/Line representatives, the current works are taking place outside the heritage zone, with the priority to get the street open and a temporary solution in place as quickly as possible.

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A decision from Heritage Victoria on a permit to temporarily remove some infrastructure is expected soon, and will allow installation of the boom gates themselves to begin.

The works this week include establishing where existing infrastructure is so new cable pits can be dug, and upgrading signal boxes for the boom gates.

The gates will not be automatic - instead, they will use the same Melbourne-based controller the swing gates used, with CCTV used to ensure traffic is clear.

This will minimise disruptions, allowing the construction work and signalling upgrade to be completed separately, and reopen the road faster.

After these works, the site will be re-asphalted, potentially with some minor changes to the layout, and any heritage equipment will be safely stored.

The heritage sensibilities of the entire precinct will be respected throughout the works, however the working assumption is that swing gates across tracks will not be returned when a permanent solution is finalised, and instead they will be installed as static displays similar to Humffray Street.

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The Humffray Street gates were removed earlier this year for cleaning and repairs.

There will also be additional opportunities for community feedback on the permanent solution.

A full report on the collision is expected to be released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau by the end of the year.

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