Gap Road’s dangerous and congested level crossing will be gone for good, and a new road underpass will open to traffic on Friday 30 September – three years ahead of schedule.

The early opening was announced at community celebrations on Sunday, where locals walked on the new road surface and under the new rail bridge which features a landmark artwork by Sunbury First Nations artist and proud Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara woman Teena Moffatt.

More than 1,000 people attended the day, which included 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.

The new Gap Road underpass includes 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 Andrews Labor Government is removing 93 level crossings across Melbourne by 2027, with Gap Road marking the 67^th level crossing gone for good.

Construction is also ramping up on the Sunbury Road Upgrade, with barriers being installed over 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 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 – delivering more than 300 additional parking spaces for Sunbury commuters.

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull

“It’s fantastic to deliver the project way ahead of schedule and showcase the fantastic work the team has been doing to get rid of Sunbury’s worst traffic bottleneck.”

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