Media release issued by Tim Pallas, Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports and Mike Symon, Federal Member for Deakin
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government
Work on the Springvale Road Rail Separation at Nunawading is on track with the VicRoads alliance partners announced today for the $140 million project.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the project to remove the busy Springvale Road level crossing and construction of the new grade separation was complex and required a strong alliance partnership to successfully complete the works.
"The Brumby Labor Government, in partnership with the Rudd Labor Government, is taking action now to improve Victoria's roads, investing in important projects to reduce congestion, create jobs and deliver the best transport network in Australia," Mr Pallas said.
"I'm pleased to announce that John Holland and designers Arup and KBR Pty Ltd will join VicRoads in an alliance to design, deliver and manage works for this key project, funded with $80 million from the Federal Budget and $60 million from the State Budget.
"The Springvale Road Rail Separation is yet another example of the Brumby Labor Government getting on with the job of delivering much-needed transport infrastructure, as outlined in the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.
"This project will also boost the Victorian economy, create more than 100 direct jobs and many more for suppliers and subcontractors."
Mr Pallas said the alliance, which also includes Department of Transport and Connex, would deliver the vital project by early 2010, benefiting the local community, road users and rail travellers alike.
Federal Member for Deakin, Mike Symon MP, said he was extremely pleased the project was progressing so quickly.
"Residents in the outer east have been waiting a very long time for news that something is finally being done to fix Springvale Rd.
"And now, thanks to the wonderful co-operation between the federal and state Governments, it is.
"This project will reduce traffic congestion through the intersection and boost road safety, for motorists and pedestrians, by removing the boom gates that are the source of the traffic problem.
"In the past five years alone, there have been 50 crashes causing injury and death.
"And a new railway station for Nunawading is a key component of this project, replacing the old facilities that are used by 3,000 local commuters a day.
"Preconstruction works are already underway for this project, and I am extremely pleased that the State Government has moved so quickly to lock in the construction partners that will deliver such a complex project.
"This project was a key election commitment in 2007 and the Rudd Labor Government is delivering on it.
"We know that 100 jobs will be generated directly from this project; not to mention all the associated economic activity that comes with a project of this complexity and magnitude.
"And of course, local motorists will be the big winners when this traffic snarl is finally removed from their lives, once and for all." Mr Symon said.
Member for Mitcham Tony Robinson MP said early service relocation works were already underway on the site, with road works on Springvale Road due to start later this year.
"The local community will be kept informed at every stage of this significant road and rail project and we're committed to minimising disruption for drivers and rail passengers. We are very conscious of the need to keep people moving," Mr Robinson said.
"Work on the Springvale Road Rail Separation will build on what we've learnt from the nearby Middleborough Road rail separation at Box Hill, which was successfully completed in 2007."
The $140 million project also includes the construction of a new premium Nunawading railway station, with access to the station to be boosted by a new pedestrian underpass allowing commuters, shoppers and locals to avoid crossing Springvale Road. |
