en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Victorian Government has released the final design for the removal of the Ruthven Street level crossing in Macleod, which will be replaced by a rail bridge.

The government stated that the level crossing poses safety risks and severe traffic congestion, with the upgrade aimed at improving road efficiency and safety. Preliminary works have already commenced, reducing boom gate down time by 30 minutes during the morning peak, allowing approximately 12,600 drivers daily to save travel time.

The final design incorporates community feedback, with traffic induction loops to be installed along Ruthven Street to trigger traffic signals, creating safer connections for local residents. The rail bridge will connect Rosanna Parklands with Ellesmere Parade and Ruthven Street, featuring native plants and seating on the bridge deck.

Additionally, a new walking and cycling path will be built along Ellesmere Parade, linking Macleod and Rosanna. More than 25,000 trees, native shrubs, flowering plants, and grasses are planned for the project area. Major construction of the rail bridge is set to begin later this year, with trains expected to run on the bridge by next year.

Passengers will benefit from increased train services on the Hurstbridge Line: services to Eltham will run every 20 minutes on weekends, and between Melbourne's CBD and Clifton Hill, trains will run every 10 minutes on average. Anthony Carbines, State Member for Ivanhoe, said over 400 pieces of community feedback helped shape the final design. The government aims to eliminate all level crossings in Macleod by 2027 to improve safety, reduce congestion, provide more reliable travel times, and consolidate the benefits of the nearby North East Link Project.

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