By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
WHAT do we know about the sky rail project?
As part of the $1.6 billion project, a 2.7 kilometre elevated viaduct will be built over the Noble Park intersections creating public open space beneath the line.
The government contends it will result in less rail noise at street level as well as significant improvements to traffic flow.
Six other level crossings will be eliminated, with elevated rail sections above six kilometres of newly-created linear parkland between Dandenong and Caulfield.
Noble Park station will be rebuilt, shifted closer to Heatherton Road and be integrated into Douglas Street shops with a community plaza.
It will be more accessible for visitors to the nearby RSL, skate park and aquatic centre.
The government said the project will create more than 2000 jobs and be complete in 2018.
To further decongest traffic, a new road linking Ian Street and Leonard Avenue will cross the tracks.
Level Crossing Removal Authority chief executive Kevin Devlin said the project will boost rail capacity on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines by 42 per cent – and 11,000 extra passengers in the morning peak.
It will remove boom gates down for up to 87 minutes in the two-hour morning peak.
“The modern elevated design has been selected because we believe it is the best way to remove these level crossings and creates the best urban design outcomes,” Mr Devlin said.
“Modelling by acoustic experts has identified that the proposed design will result in an overall decrease in noise compared to the current rail line.
“We will be working one-on-one with residents who back on to the rail line, and will be looking at privacy and noise screening as well as vegetation and fence improvements.”
According to the Level Crossing Removal Authority, there will be an opportunity for a “major community consultation” on the design of the new open spaces.
It states there’s room for a possible playground or exercise area under the tracks between Ross Reserve and Noble Park Aquatic Centre.
There could be more sporting and recreational facilities could also be added next to the skate park under the Heatherton Road section.
In the shade of the Chandler Road section, a playground and seating could be installed.
The authority will hold public meetings to hear open space design ideas at the Paddy O’Donohue Centre, Buckley Street, Noble Park, on 20 February from 9am to noon and 9 March from 5pm to 8pm.
Traders have been invited to a separate session.
Details at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
