Railway plan is well received

THE Department of Infrastructure is looking favourably on a request by the City of Greater Dandenong Council to place the Dandenong train line underground in Springvale.
That was the result of a meeting last Thursday between the City of Greater Dandenong council and the DoI to discuss the council’s submission addressing the first stage of the Dandenong line triplication.
It follows revelations to Star by council CEO John Bennie early this month that the council is keen to see the train line placed under Springvale Road in Springvale to eliminate traffic problems and enhance the retail and entertainment experience in central Springvale.
Engineering services director Tim Tamlin said this week that the DoI meeting was a success, although no concrete decision was made.
“Council’s submission advocating a grade separation at the Springvale Road rail crossing received an encouraging reception from DoI representatives,” he said. “This favourable response is probably due to the multi-faceted nature of the submission.
“Rather than concentrating solely on the traffic-related benefits of a grade separation to commuters, residents and businesses, our submission addressed key aspects of the State Government’s strategy for Melbourne’s future development – Melbourne 2030. “We believe grade separation will help Springvale meet and exceed the expectations outlined under Melbourne 2030.”