CONCERNS from Wandong and Heathcote Junction residents over the imminent closure of Rail Street have been raised, with the road set to be closed for eight to 10 weeks from mid-April.
Emails seen by The North Central Review from secretary of the Wandong Heathcote Junction Community Group secretary Allen Hall claim that Rail Street was originally meant to be left open, but the closure now means that traffic concerns have been raised.
“The closure would be contrary to earlier advice and agreement that Rail Street would be kept open to traffic during the project,” he said.
“If closure was permitted the pressure on Heathcote Junction and the rail crossing would be unmanageable particularly at school times.
“The traffic queued on Epping-Kilmore Road would be dangerous and blocking through traffic at most times and could stretch for a kilometre when the booms are down for trains that can be slow and as long as two kilometres. There is no turning lane from the north and a very short turning lane from the south.
“The same applies on Rail Street where traffic could extend from the school (and new childcare) to the rail crossing and beyond. It will be impossible for emergency vehicles to negotiate this disaster.”
Inland Rail has confirmed that briefings were held with the Wandong CFA, Wandong Primary School, Wandong Kindergarten, with their feedback stating that the groups were comfortable with the proposed traffic detours, and that communications would be distributed to residents and community groups once finalised.
Other concerns that were raised were the potential of Inland Rail’s footprint creep and the potential Dry Creek riparian zone impacts.
Mr Hall stated he was disappointed with a lack of consultation.
“The whole frustrating thing is the impact it will have, especially around school times, we’re talking about 100 cars coming to the school and buses,” he said.
“There are buses that come along Rail Street to go to Whittlesea, to Assumption College, to Broadford and to Wallan. They’ll be queued up along Rail Street as well.”
An Inland Rail spokesperson said the works were the most efficient way the project could be completed.
“A temporary road closure is required on Rail Street while Inland Rail works are undertaken to construct a new roundabout on the Broadford-Wandong Road intersection,” the spokesperson said.
“Inland Rail understands the inconvenience this may cause some road users but assures the community this will be the most efficient, effective and safest way to complete these works.”
