The Sunbury community will get a close up look at Gap Road before the new rail bridge and road underpass opens in October, replacing the old level crossing – Sunbury’s worst traffic bottleneck.

A community day will be held on Sunday 18 September, with people able to walk on the new road surface and under the new bridge, with unobstructed views of the bridge’s landmark artwork by Sunbury First Nations artist and proud Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara woman Tenna Moffat.

The day will kick off at 11:00am and include music, a sausage sizzle, entertainment, giveaways, coffee and snacks provided by local Sunbury businesses and a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

Since crews removed the Gap Road boom gates in June, the team has built a new rail bridge and excavated more than 25,000 cubic metres of soil to build the new road underpass.

Preparations are now underway to lay the new road surface between Horne Street and Evans Street, with the road due to open to traffic on schedule in early October.

The new Gap Road underpass will include separated cycling and walking paths to safely connect this growing community, while landscaping and other minor works will continue into 2023.

Gap Road will be the fourth level crossing on the Sunbury Line to be removed, with another two to go in Calder Park – easing congestion and slashing travel times. The Victorian Government is removing 85 level crossings across Melbourne by 2025, with 65 already gone for good.

Construction is also ramping up on the Sunbury Road Upgrade, with barriers being installed in the coming months along the entire stretch of road to start building the additional lanes, new intersections and a new bridge over Jacksons Creek.

Work on the new bridge is expected to start later this year, with an additional creek crossing taking Sunbury Road from two to four lanes, improving the flow of traffic to emerging communities in Sunbury’s south east.

The project that has been completed 3 years ahead of schedule, will widen this section of the road to four lanes, improving safety and easing congestion for more than 25,000 drivers who use the road every day.

Plans have also been approved for the new Sunbury Station car park, which will be located on Evans Street and will deliver more than 300 additional parking spaces for Sunbury commuters.

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull

“I’m thrilled the Sunbury community will get a chance to see firsthand the fantastic work the team has been doing at Gap Road to get rid of this dangerous and congested level crossing.”

“This project is part of more than $2 billion being invested in better transport for Sunbury and will connect our growing community, bringing huge benefits for Sunbury residents and businesses.”