Boom gates work underway

CONSTRUCTION proper on the temporary boom gates at the Lydiard Street North railway crossing got underway on Monday.

While personnel had been at the site for the last few weeks doing preparatory work on the installation of the boom gates, a statement released by Ben Carroll, the state the Minister for Public Transport, said action at the site was set to “ramp up”.

“Works at Lydiard Street crossing are set to ramp up over the coming weeks as crews finalise preparations for the installation of temporary boom gates,” said.

“These works will ensure that the road is ready to re-open to traffic as soon and as safely as possible.”

In addition to the installation of the temporary gates, works in and around the site will include curbing on Ararat Street and Doveton Crescent, crib fencing and the addition of general signalling.

Also in the cards is a traffic island on the south side of the crossing to stop cars from making right-hand turns into Ararat Street from Lydiard Street.

According to the Ministers statement, “the damaged heritage-style swing gates will be removed, photographed and catalogued before being stored in a safe location in Wendouree.

“The gates will be subject to regular inspections to ensure they do not deteriorate.”

The Lydiard Street rain crossing has been closed to traffic since late May 2020 after an out-of-control V/Line train crashed into swing gates that were in place across the southern tracks.