Early works are underway for the major level crossing project at Ruthven Street in Macleod which will deliver a vital new active transport link through the suburb.
There are existing sections of a trail along the rail corridor but riders have been stymied by a missing section of off-road trail and the lack of a safe connection across Ruthven Street.
From next year there will be a new section of trail along Ellesmere Parade from Ruthven Street to Davies Street where it will connect to the existing route.
In the other direction, there will be a new raised platform and signalised crossing at Ruthven Street that will take riders and pedestrians to a new path connection along the periphery of the railway stabling yards to the existing path at McNamara Street towards Macleod Station.
This new development will provide a quick, convenient and low-risk 2km link between Rosanna and Macleod and encourage active transport trips to schools, sporting facilities, parklands, shopping precincts and the La Trobe University campus.
As part of the construction of the 600-meter rail bridge over Ruthven Street there will also be new parkland facilities created.
The Ellesmere Parade path will involve new railway fencing and drainage provision and new vegetation planting to avoid any interference with power lines along the street.
More than 25,000 trees, native shrubs, flowering plants and grasses will be planted across the project area.
Major construction will begin later this year.
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