Cherry Street LXRP
Victoria, Australia
Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP)
Project 2018 – 2021
The Cherry Street Level Crossing removal project is one of a series of grade separation projects undertaken as part of the Western Program Alliance for the Level Crossing Removal Authority.
Located in the centre of Werribee, Victoria, 28 kilometres West of Melbourne at the end of the metropolitan rail line, the existing level crossing was particularly complex with a mirid of urban, utility and rail constraints.
Denton Corker Marshall was involved from the onset of the project, providing key material and feedback on Urban Design considerations for each strategic option.
Following extensive community consultation and multi-criteria assessments the recommended outcome for the site was a two-part project.
The grade separation and realignment of the road as a new road bridge to the east and a new urban renewal site at the existing crossing with grade separate pedestrian access under the rail.
With Werribee experiencing rapid growth and densification of the last 20 years, the design draws on the value of the wide green wedge that the rail corridor provides.
Materiality comes from a natural palette to reinforce this and provide relief for residents from the surrounding densification.
A key challenge for the project was developing an underpass design that would feel safe for users. The design addressed this through catering for multiple desire lines, delineating users with materiality, providing generous width spaces, opening up the excavation walls to maximise access to natural light and enabling clear sightlines for users throughout.
