Sunbury’s congestion-busting level crossing removal project will also feature a landmark public artwork with a call for First Nations artists to submit their ideas for the work.

Expressions of interest are open for a work that will span the new rail bridge to be built over Gap Road/Station Street as part of the Gap Road Level Crossing Removal project.

The call is open to people who are Victorian Traditional Owners, or First Nations artists who live and work in Victoria.

The artwork will be imprinted onto custom-designed perforated aluminium sheeting that will be installed across both sides of the rail bridge.

First Nations artists are encouraged to apply by submitting a concept idea, a statement about their artistic practice and images of previous works by 5 September. More details on the selection criteria are available at www.railprojects.vic.gov.au.

Artists will be shortlisted, before a winner is selected by an advisory panel that includes representatives of Creative Victoria and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

Early works began in early July on the Gap Road Level Crossing Removal, to free up Sunbury’s worst traffic bottleneck two years earlier than first planned.

The Gap Road level crossing will be replaced with a new rail bridge and a road underpass on Gap Road/Station Street between Horne Street and Evans Street, including a shared path on both sides to provide a safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists.

Workers have begun digging alongside Gap Road and Station Street to relocate underground services to make way for the start of major construction later this year.

The road under rail design will ensure the heritage-listed Sunbury Station is preserved and have the least impact on rail services during construction, although there will still be some disruption at times.

The Gap Road level crossing removal is being delivered in conjunction with the $2.1 billion Sunbury Line Upgrade, which includes new train stabling, platform extensions, track and power upgrades to accommodate next generation trains and allow more frequent services.

The Victorian Government is also investing in the Sunbury Road upgrade, to add extra lanes on Sunbury Road between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest Road, traffic lights, new walking and cycling connections and a new bridge over Jacksons Creek.

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull MP

“This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate and showcase our local Indigenous history and to honour the strong and enduring connection to Country of our Traditional Owners.”

“The Gap Road Level Crossing Removal Project will not only unlock Sunbury’s worst traffic bottleneck, it will also bring a vibrant new artwork to one of the community’s most visible public spaces.”