Work to remove the dangerous and congested Toorak Road level crossing will ramp up this month, as the Andrews Labor Government gets on with removing one of Melbourne’s worst bottlenecks.
Over the first weekend of October, crews will work around the clock to relocate underground services and utilities, and begin work on the foundations for the new rail bridge.
To enable these works to be undertaken safely, Toorak Road will be closed at the level crossing from 9:00pm on Friday 4 October until 5:00am on Monday 7 October.
Buses will replace trains and road detours will be in place encouraging motorists to use Burke Road, Tooronga Road and Glenferrie Road to avoid the closure. Monash Freeway traffic that would usually exit at Toorak Road should instead use the Burke Road exit to avoid the closure and avoid CityLink tolls.
Drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time if travelling through the area. Detour signage will be in place and motorists are encouraged to use Burke Road, Tooronga Road and Glenferrie Road to avoid the closure.
These works will enable a new rail bridge next to the existing rail line to minimise impacts to rail and road commuters.
The Toorak Road level crossing is a major bottleneck for people travelling to the Monash Freeway and CityLink via Toorak Road, Glenferrie Road and Tooronga Road.
With boom gates down for 35 per cent of the morning peak the level crossing causes delays and frustration for the 37,000 vehicles that travel through the level crossing each day.
Elevating the rail line will ease the bottleneck for traffic entering and exiting the Monash Freeway, improve cycling and pedestrian connections, and create new open spaces for the community to enjoy.
The Toorak Road level crossing will be gone by 2021 and is one of 75 crossings to be removed by 2025. For information about the project and disruptions during construction visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“Work are ramping up work at Toorak Road, as we get on with removing this dangerous level crossing to make it easier and safer to get around.”
“Whether it’s removing level crossings, building the Metro tunnel or upgrading suburban roads, we’re getting on with the projects we need to get Victorians where they need to go.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020