The Gap Road Level Crossing Removal Project in Sunbury has reached its halfway milestone, following the completion of a new rail bridge and the removal of boom gates.

Construction crews have removed almost 25,000㎥ of soil from under the new Gap Road rail bridge, creating space to start work on a new road underpass and separate walking and cycling paths.

Gap Road will remain closed until early October 2022, while crews continue to build the new road surface and complete the walking and cycling paths. Landscaping and other minor works will continue into 2023.

Victoria’s Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said the works would reduce traffic congestion and improve existing public transport services.

“It’s great to see works powering ahead on the removal of Sudbury’s worst traffic bottleneck, as we work towards reducing congestion, improving train services and getting Sunbury moving,” Ms Allan said.

“Gap Road is just one of the 85 level crossings we’re removing across Melbourne by 2025, with 65 already gone for good.”

During August, work will also continue on the Sunbury Line Upgrade including platform extensions, signaling upgrades and the commissioning of three electrical substations at Sunbury, Delahey and St Albans.

The Sunbury Line Upgrade will enable bigger, more comfortable trains and more frequent services on the line when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.

To allow for the work, buses will replace Sunbury Line trains between Sunshine and Sunbury from the evening of Sunday 13 August to Tuesday 23 August. Coaches will replace trains on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines from Monday 14 to Friday 26 August.

In Sunbury’s southeast, works will ramp up on Sunbury Road to install barriers to start building the additional lanes and the new Jacksons Creek bridge. Barrier installations will begin between Shepherds Lane and Lancefield Road, with essential works scheduled at night from mid-August to early September to minimise disruption to road users.

Affected businesses and individuals in Sunbury have been encouraged to apply for a share of the Victorian Government’s $2 million Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund.

Applications for grants and partnerships are open until 3:00pm Monday 8 August. For more details go to http://www.westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/sunbury-bulla-fund.