The Andrews Labor Government is taking advantage of the Easter long weekend to get on with removing three dangerous and congested level crossings on the Frankston Line.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis joined Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos to inspect works in Bentleigh today where construction crews are working around the clock to lay a bridge deck on Centre Road, which will enable traffic to flow while the lowered train line is dug underneath.
The level crossings at Centre, McKinnon and North Road in Melbourne’s South East are among the state’s worst. The boom gates are down for up to 45 minutes in the two-hour morning peak, causing frustration, distress and delay for tens of thousands of motorists.
The works occurring over Easter will allow these crossings to be removed quicker, improving safety and reducing congestion sooner.
To enable this work to be done safely and efficiently, buses will replace trains on sections of the Frankston line from Friday 25 March until last service on Sunday 3 April.
McKinnon and Centre roads will also be closed from late on Thursday 24 March, to 5am on Tuesday 5 April.
At the same time, Ormond and McKinnon Stations will close for four to five months so they can be demolished and completely rebuilt. Bentleigh Station will close in early June for rebuilding.
Trains will run express through this section of the Frankston line during this time, with replacement bus services for passengers wanting to get to these stations.
All three new stations are due to be open, and the dangerous and congested level crossings gone, by the start of the footy finals – months ahead of schedule.
Full details, including information about alternative transport during disruptions, will be available at and ptv.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister to Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis
"When you see the significant amount of work happening here at Centre Road, you realise what a transformation removing this dangerous and congested crossing in the heart of Bentleigh will have."
"Removing these crossings and rebuilding the stations will make these communities in Melbourne’s South East safer, reduce congestion on the streets and improve access to public transport."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos
"There have been too many excuses for too many years about why these level crossings haven’t been removed. The time for excuses is over – we’re getting on with it."
"We are grateful for the patience shown by commuters and our local traders during these disruptions and we will continue to support them as best we can by shopping locally."
Reviewed 19 August 2020