Beaconsfield residents are raising alarms about ongoing flooding issues linked to the recent Level Crossing Removal project.
Local resident Jacqueline expressed frustration, saying the area could be “completely cut off” during heavy rain.
“Their solution at the moment is unbelievable,” she said. “They don’t want to spend money on a problem that they caused with the road over rail.”
Community members highlighted that the flooding problems mainly occur under the new railway bridges, where traffic lights indicate when it’s unsafe to cross.
Despite warnings, drivers often attempt to pass through and can become stranded. Flooding affects Kenilworth, with water reaching the rear of properties along Coach House Lane and near a second bridge, leaving residents trapped between the two points.
Currently, there is no “comprehensive solution“ for residents. While a raised footpath leading to the station has been completed, designed to allow emergency workers access, everyday residents remain at risk.
Jacqueline said the Level Crossing Removal Authority has been in talks with Melbourne Water but has yet to provide clear answers for locals.
“They say that emergency workers will be able to use it to reach the local residents but there is no solution for the residents,” she explained.
“If we happen to be on the highway side we can’t get to our homes and if we are home there is no way out.”
Residents have praised the Cardinia Shire Council for advocating on their behalf, noting the Council raised the footpath for pedestrian safety and engaged with the Level Crossing team regarding vehicle access. However, locals feel their broader concerns about flooding were not fully addressed before construction began.
“My husband spoke to the Level Crossing people last Wednesday about the road and they are in talks with Melbourne Water with no proper solution yet,” Jacqueline said.
She also questioned the traffic studies conducted during the project, noting that counts were done when Kenilworth experienced unusually high traffic due to the closure of O’Shae Road.
“They would not do a second count when the road reopened, which would have shown have shown there was very little traffic using the road and the crossing wasn’t a problem.”
With no significant rain yet since the bridge upgrades, residents remain uncertain about the impact of the new infrastructure on local flooding, leaving the community anxious about the next heavy storm.
Level Crossing Removal Project spokesperson said “removing the level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield has boosted safety and eased congestion for thousands of motorists each day”.
