More than 300 people have signed a petition to halt the closure of the Holden Road level crossing.
The level crossing on the Sunbury Line is set to close this month as part of the state government’s commitment to the Sunbury Line being level crossing free by the end of 2025.
When the level crossing closes, Holden Road will also close to the public, leaving an unsealed, unlit dirt road being the only access for Metro staff to access the Calder Park depot.
When Calder Park Drive reopens on July 23, Holden Road will only remain open to traffic west of the level crossing, according to the state government.
Glenn Tyquin, a Sunbury train driver who started the petition, said he was concerned about the safety of the road at night and during bad weather.
“It doesn’t seem right to me that a government project will create a riskier situation than the one that’s currently in place,” he said.
Metro train drivers, management, cleaning staff, train maintenance technicians and local taxi drivers are fighting the issue, calling on Sunbury MP Josh Bull to help their cause.
“There’s been drivers at Calder Park that have already transferred away from the depot to avoid damaging their personal vehicles,” Mr Tyquin said.
“The level crossing removals are for dangerous and congested roads and this is not a major road,” Mr Tyquin said.
“The alternative they’re putting in place is more dangerous… it just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Mr Bull confirmed said he had spoken to Mr Tyquin but the “decision around sealing this road is one for Melton City Council.”
A council spokesperson confirmed that “Council doesn’t have plans to seal this section of Holden Road“.
“This section of Holden Road covers approximately 3.6km and provides access to semi-rural residential properties. Following closure of the Holden Road level crossing, this will become a no-through road and therefore result in limited traffic use,” the spokesperson said.
“As with all unsealed council roads in the City of Melton, we will continue to ensure Holden Road is maintained to a safe standard.”
