As the Ministers with responsibility in this area, we are writing to you all from the perspective of citizens who happen to be senior engineers with some relevant experience in these matters.
 
In respect of the 3 Level Crossing Removal projects which are committed there is a short window of time to assess synergies with other works that are not presently committed but are highly likely to be in the next decade. These include as-yet uncommitted plans to extend the Werribee metro train line to connect with stations on the Regional Rail Link and the future plans to create a standard gauge freight line interconnection to a new Western Intermodal Freight Terminal at Truganina.

There are multiple and complex interrelationships which need to be managed to vary from the program that is well underway and has delivered immediate and lasting impacts in other parts of Greater Melbourne.

We suggest putting the rail infrastructure underground into bored tunnels approximately 8½ km in length, maintaining existing road and pedestrian infrastructure at surface level. The cost to do this, based on that for the soon-to-be completed 8½ km  Forrestfield (Perth) tunnel with 3 new stations and passing under Swan River is $1.8Bn (see here)

The net present value of the benefit to the Victorian state treasury is we expect in the range of $2B -3B (gain to the State and Municipality revenues). It will also revitalise the employment and value capture yield from the stalled East Werribee Precinct Structure Plan.