Crossing removal input sought

Arco restaurant's Lindsay Bull at the Abbotts Road level crossing. 150746

BUSINESSES can have their say on the Abbotts Road level crossing removal project at an evening forum.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LCRA) will host an event “for input into design options” following outcry over plans to close the road at the Cranbourne rail line.
LCRA representatives will present “a detailed overview of all options under consideration” and facilitate discussion around each option.
It has previously presented just one option – closing Abbotts Road and building an overpass connecting Remington Drive with Pound Road West.
State Government and City of Greater Dandenong representatives will be present.
The LCRA said the Abbotts Road boom gates had a notorious history, including two fatalities in the past seven years.
“The single lane of traffic in each direction and high volume of traffic causes long queues and lengthy delays for many businesses and employees that rely on this route to access the South Gippsland Highway.”
But businesses said it was a key thoroughfare and its closure would hurt trade and cost jobs.
The industry forum will take place from 6.30pm to 8pm on Thursday 17 March.
RSVP to contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 762 667 during business hours. LCRA will confirm the address upon RSVP.