MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 29 April 2009 AA150/2009 Joint Media release issued by the Premier of Victoria and the Federal Member for Deakin

$140 MILLION SPRINGVALE ROAD GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT ON THE WAY Road safety is set to get a major boost in Nunawading with the removal of the busy Springvale Road level crossing and a new grade separation to be completed by 2010. Victorian Premier John Brumby today announced $60 million from the 2009/2010 state budget, to be released next week, while Federal MP for Deakin Mike Symon confirmed the Rudd Government's $80 million commitment. Mr Brumby said the project was fantastic news for Melbourne's east, improving safety for drivers and train passengers and tackling congestion at the RACV's top Red Spot location. "With 50,000 vehicles and 218 trains using the Springvale Road level crossing every day, it is one of the busiest in Melbourne," Mr Brumby said. "By eliminating this level crossing, people living and working in Melbourne's east can spend less time commuting and more time with family and friends." The upgrade will lower the Belgrave and Lilydale rail lanes and build a new road crossing over the top, separating traffic and trains. Mr Brumby said the level crossing was the first to be removed as part of a program of grade separations at key road and rail crossings as outlined in the Victorian Government's $38 billion transport plan.   "The Springvale Road level crossing project is part of our plan to deliver the best transport network in Australia," Mr Brumby said. "It will also be a welcome boost to the economy, with more than 100 direct jobs to be created, with many more for suppliers and subcontractors." Federal MP Mike Symon said the Rudd Government was pleased to be working collaboratively with the Victorian Government and the City of Whitehorse to deliver the upgrade by early 2010. "This is such an important road and rail improvement for the local community, and with 50 crashes causing injury recorded at this spot over the past five years, removing the level crossing will significantly increase safety," Mr Symon said. "Facilities for train passengers will also be improved, with a new railway station to be built on the west side of Springvale Road, replacing the existing Nunawading Station on the east side, which is used by more than 3,000 rail commuters every day. "Access to the new station will be boosted too, with a new pedestrian underpass allowing commuters, shoppers and locals to avoid crossing Springvale Road." Victorian Roads Minister, Tim Pallas said VicRoads and Connex would use innovative construction techniques to ensure works are completed efficiently to minimise disruption to drivers, train passengers, local businesses and nearby residents. "Early planning works and ground investigations are already underway on site, with early service works due to start later this month and road works on Springvale Road due to start later this year," Mr Pallas said. "The project will use similar techniques used on the nearby Middleborough Road and Rail upgrade, successfully completed in 2007. Train services will be replaced by buses in the quieter January period while the rail line is lowered and Nunawading station is reconstructed to a premium station. "We'll be keeping the community informed on every stage of this very significant project," Mr Pallas said. For further information, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au Media Contacts Fiona Macrae ( 0412 693 182 )   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/April/AA150_2009.htm