Hundreds of residents have rallied against the Andrews government's plan for Essendon as part of its $8 billion level crossing removal program.

But demands for a change to the government's Essendon plan have led the son of a pedestrian killed crossing Buckley Street to warn the level crossing is too dangerous to delay its removal.

Opposition public transport spokesman David Hodgett speaks at the rally in Essendon. Credit:Daniel Pockett

The state government has signed contracts for builders to remove the Buckley Street level crossing next to Essendon railway station.

Melbourne has 178 level crossings, and the crossing in Essendon, on the Craigieburn line, is one of 50 going. Buckley Street is to be lowered beneath the railway line.