Emergency queries

FEARS that traffic congestion at the Heatherton Road rail crossing could prevent emergency services from providing life-saving assistance have prompted councillors to ask the State Government for answers.
City of Greater Dandenong councillors at their meeting on 26 November moved a notice of motion on the issue.
They’ll ask Roads and Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder and Police and Emergency Services Minister Peter Ryan to inform them of the status of the Noble Park crossing with respect to any grade separation plans or programming.
They also asked for advice of any servicing or response limitations faced by emergency service vehicles at this crossing during periods – particularly peak periods – when the gated crossing is closed.
Emergency vehicles are often noted to be queued there.
The motion said delays at level crossings on the Dandenong line continued to frustrate the community, and that the State Government’s specific plans for Heatherton Road were unknown.
The council motion followed Mr Mulder’s announcement on 23 November that the first contract for the Springvale level crossing removal project was being advertised.
He said Metro Trains Melbourne on behalf of VicRoads would tender for preliminary works on the project – “a major milestone”.
“The $8 million contract for early works includes the relocation of services prior to the main works starting on the level crossing removal in mid-2013,” Mr Mulder said.
“This first contract will pave the way for further works on the Springvale Level Crossing Removal Project and will also increase the capacity for future upgrades of the rail network.”
In May this year, the State Government committed $350 million in funding to remove three level crossings in Springvale and Mitcham.
“With nearly 8000 vehicles, 1000 pedestrians and 140 trains passing through the Springvale Road crossing in peak times each day, removing the boom gates is vital to easing traffic congestion and improving safety in and around this busy shopping and business district,” Mr Mulder said.
“The project will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, rail patrons and for shoppers who are delayed when the boom gates come down.”
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich welcomed the progress. She said the completed project would include a new premium train station and intermodal hub which would include bus, taxi, and ‘kiss and ride’ parking, and improved bicycle and pedestrian amenities.
The level crossing removal is expected to be completed by late 2014.