Premier

Massive Winter Construction Blitz To Remove Three Dangerous Crossings

05 May 2016

The dangerous and congested level crossings at North, McKinnon and Centre Roads in Melbourne’s south east will be gone by August, six months ahead of schedule.

Acting Premier James Merlino joined Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, today to announce a 37-day construction blitz to get rid of these congested death-traps once and for all.

To enable these works to happen safely and efficiently, the Frankston line will be closed between Caulfield and Moorabbin from 24 June until 31 July 2016, and thousands of bus services will replace trains to get passengers where they need to go.

When trains resume, the level crossings will be gone. Three new stations will open progressively in August – six months early.

North, McKinnon and Centre roads will remain open to traffic during this time, aside from some lane closures on North Road, and a weekend closure and some overnight shuts on Centre and McKinnon Roads.

Four other level crossing removals will ramp up in July, at Blackburn Road in Blackburn, Heatherdale Road in Mitcham, and Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road in Bayswater.

These works will close sections of the Belgrave/Lilydale line between 2-10 July, and will prepare the crossings for major construction campaigns at the end of the year.

As trains on the Stony Point line will be unable to access Southern Cross for maintenance while the line is closed, buses will also replace trains on the Stony point line from 25 June to 31 July. Weekend closures will also take place on 14-15 May and 4-5 June between Caulfield and Mordialloc.

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier, James Merlino

“We’re not wasting a single day removing these three dangerous and congested level crossings that have plagued communities for more than a century. Soon these relics of the past will be gone, six months ahead of schedule.”

“Removing these level crossings has been in the ‘too hard basket’ for too long. After years of excuses – we’re getting it done.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

“Removing these crossings will reduce traffic congestion, improve public transport and make these communities safer. There will be disruption while these works occur, but it will be worth it.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos

“We’re not waiting for another near miss or another ambulance to get stuck at the boom-gates. We’re getting rid of these dangerous crossings as soon as we can, to save lives, reduce congestion and improve public transport.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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