- Published:
- Monday 1 January 2018
A 14-day construction blitz to prepare the network for high-tech new trains and to remove nine of Victoria’s worst level crossings starts today.
Acting Minister for Public Transport Philip Dalidakis said the works are part of the Labor Government’s $30 billion program to boost capacity and reduce congestion across the transport network.
From 2-9 January, a major power and signalling upgrade in the Caulfield Junction will see buses replacing trains on sections of the Cranbourne/Pakenham, Frankston and Gippsland lines.
Level crossing removal works will also affect the Cranbourne/Pakenham and Gippsland lines from 10-17 January with a further shutdown in February.
Buses will also replace trains on a section of the Hurstbridge line from 18-23 January, as works continue to duplicate the track and remove two level crossings.
Lygon Street will be closed to traffic and trams between Elgin and Weston Streets between 3-16 January due to track renewal works.
While the construction blitz is taking place, people heading to summer events in Melbourne will still be able to get to venues and locations across Melbourne by public transport.
From 7-14 January Hoddle Street will be closed from the Eastern Freeway to Victoria Street as works commence on the Streamlining Hoddle Street Project.
The M80 Ring Road will also be closed in one direction over two weekends – 12-15 January and 19-22 January.
Traffic changes and closures will also occur in January due to Metro Tunnel works, including Flinders Lane between Swanston and Russell Streets, and Franklin Street West between Swanston and Stuart Streets.
There will also be a series of temporary lane reductions in each direction on St Kilda Road between Toorak Road West/Kings Way and Dorcas Street, but trams will be unaffected.
Road and public transport users are urged to allow more time for their journey, consider alternatives and plan ahead by visiting ptv.vic.gov.au and vicroads.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Public Transport Philip Dalidakis
“We are about to experience significant disruptions due to an enormous amount of infrastructure works being undertaken including signalling improvements, line duplication, road works and level crossing removals.”
“We encourage the public to plan ahead during these disruptions and thank them for their patience as we deliver the transport network we need.”