Victorian Opposition says Springvale Road crossing upgrade has not been planned with freight in mind.
The removal of a notorious level crossing in Melbourne won’t accommodate growing freight volumes, the Victorian Opposition claims.
Opposition ports spokeswoman Natalie Hutchins says the $159 million upgrade to the Springvale Road level crossing has not been designed to accommodate additional freight trucks and trains when the second container port at Hastings is complete.
“Despite having a target of 12 per cent of all Victorian freight moving by rail, the Napthine government hasn’t factored in the demand for additional freight train access along the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines that will be generated by the expansion of the Port of Hastings nor has it been honest about the effects of thousands of additional truck movements adding to congestion on the Monash Freeway,” Hutchins says.
“Labor’s plans for a second container port at BayWest has standard gauge rail freight connections intra and interstate as well as excellent road connections. It is a better option with better transport connections.”
The Springvale Road level crossing will be removed, allowing trains to pass underneath the route without stopping traffic.