Construction in Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh will ramp up over Easter, enabling three of Victoria’s worst level crossings – at North, McKinnon and Centre Roads – to be removed months ahead of schedule.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan at McKinnon Road level crossing this morning, where the boom gates are down for more than 45 minutes in the morning peak.
Construction crews will take advantage of the quieter Easter holiday period to lay bridge decks at McKinnon and Centre roads, which will enable traffic to flow while the lowered train line is dug underneath.
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 5:00am, 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. Buses will replace trains on this section of the Frankston line.
Bentleigh Station will close in early June for rebuilding. 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.
Works will also ramp up in St Albans over Easter, with Furlong Road closed from Sunday, 27 March to Monday, 18 April. There will be no impacts on train or bus services.
A short construction campaign this weekend will also impact services, with buses replacing trains between Caulfield and Mordialloc stations from 7:00pm, Friday 4 March until the last service on Sunday 6 March. Centre Road will also be closed this weekend to allow works to occur safely.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“These level crossings clog local streets, stop us running more trains and put lives at risk, just like the other 50 we’re removing.”
“More than 500 staff will work round the clock this Easter, so these dangerous crossings are gone and these new stations are built months ahead of schedule – we’re getting on with it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
“I thank locals and passengers for their patience while get rid of these congested death-traps. There will be disruption, but it’s nothing compared to the congestion, delay and distress these crossings cause every day.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
“After years of campaigning to remove these dangerous crossings, I’m pleased to say they will be gone in less than six months, and proud to be part of the Andrews Labor Government who is getting rid of them.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020