Thursday, 2 May 2019

Northern Metropolitan Region

In reply to Mr ONDARCHIE (Northern Metropolitan) (19 March 2019)

Ms PULFORD (Western Victoria—Minister for Roads, Minister for Road Safety and the TAC, Minister for Fishing and Boating):

The Victorian Government is making record investments in transport. Focusing on road and rail initiatives, we are undertaking the most comprehensive project pipeline in Victoria’s history. This is happening after 4 years of the previous Liberal National Government in Victoria where transport infrastructure went on a ‘go slow’.

The pipeline includes new construction, transport infrastructure upgrades and rethinking our use of current assets to maximise value from our transport infrastructure.

The Andrews Government as part of the Level Crossing Removal Program has earmarked the rail crossings on Bell Street at Preston (near St Georges Road) and Coburg (near Sydney Road) to be removed. The level crossing removal near St Georges Road is currently in the planning stage while works associated with the other one near Sydney Road is expected to commence later this year.

This will improve traffic flow and safety along Bell Street as well as the movement of people via various modes including the current high frequency Smart Bus service.