Bridges

Over the next eight years the Level Crossing Removal Authority will oversee the removal of 50 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne.

The Victorian Government allocated $2.4 billion in its 2015-16 budget to remove at least 20 level crossings by 2018. These sites form the basis of a long-term strategic plan being developed to remove 50 level crossings by 2022.

Construction has already commenced on several sites, and planning and early consultation is underway for the delivery of the entire project.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority is overseeing the delivery of the project, ensuring that level crossings are removed in a coordinated and efficient manner. The Authority is responsible for all aspects of the project including planning and development, stakeholder engagement, procurement, through to construction and delivery.

Level Crossing Removal Authority is an Administrative Office established in relation to the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.

The LXRA grade separations will impact on VicRoads arterial roads. Each project will include rail/road bridges/structures as well as other assets. The key objectives of the VicRoads Project Integration are to:

a) Ensure assets are safe, accessible and efficient to operate into the future and ensuring there is consistency.

b) Consult with and involving internal/external stakeholders in the development of solutions and decisions for LXRA.

c) Lead to no surprises, right outcome for motorists, pedestrians and the wider community.

d) Ensure a successful transition of bridges and other road assets to VicRoads once the grade separation projects have been completed.

e) Integrates stakeholders learning’s and operational requirements into the design and construction of the project.

f) A whole of life approach to bridge constructions and maintenance.

g) Set out the standards and policies in accordance with which VicRoads performs its road management functions,

h) “Movement & Place Principles” where new infrastructures becomes a destination and easy to access.

This paper reports on the how VicRoads Integration Strategy and projects interact and how scope of works are assessed to ensure VicRoads assets meet community and stakeholder standards and expectations. Safety in design and whole of life costs savings for future maintenance play an important role for forward thinking and continuous improvement.