The Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) was established in 2015 to remove Victoria’s most dangerous level crossings. By 2025 it will have removed 85 level crossings, making it one of Victoria’s most significant rail projects.
In 2022, Capire began working with LXRP to engage communities regarding the removal of three level crossings: two in Ringwood and one in Croydon, which will make the Lilydale Line level-crossing free. Approximately 36,000 vehicles travel through these crossings each day, plus 33 trains during the morning peak (7am–9am), when boom gates can be down for up to 23 minutes.
Approach
Set in busy neighbourhoods, these level crossing removals were always going to draw strong community interest. Since they were still in the planning phase, there was significant opportunity for communities to learn more and provide feedback.
Capire and LXRP engaged each community on issues including traffic, open space, user accessibility, active transport connections, landscape and urban design, and construction impacts and mitigation. A range of online and in-person events were used to maximise flexibility, allowing people to participate in a way that felt comfortable. Participants were able to ask questions and interact directly with the project teams.
Capire successfully managed a number of challenges, including adapting to changing timeframes, which impacted resourcing; ensuring that LXRP staff and presenters were consistently briefed; and managing the expectations of LXRP staff and community suppliers.
Outputs
Capire and LXRP held six online information sessions, two in-person information sessions, and two Construction Liaison Group bus tours. These engagements built community knowledge about the projects and allowed people to share their ideas and concerns.
We learned that people are concerned about a range of issues, including (but not limited to) the removal of trees, noise during construction, and potential impacts on local schools and businesses. This feedback, along with technical input, will help the project teams make critical decisions to progress the project designs.
