Two “dangerous and congested” level crossings in Victoria – at McDonald Street in Mordialloc and Station Street in Aspendale – are being removed, with new rail bridges being built instead.
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, the Bear Street level crossing in Mordialloc will also be closed, and a new Mordialloc Station will be constructed.
The government said the “vibrant new station precinct” will have safe access for pedestrians and cyclists and is due to be completed by 2026.
The new rail bridges in Mordialloc and Aspendale will descend to connect with the existing bridge over Mordialloc Creek.
To enable this, adjustments need to be made to the nearby Mordialloc Stabling Yard.
The entry and exit points of the stabling yard will be updated, and track 3 will be extended near the pedestrian underpass between Pompei’s Landing and George Woods Reserve.
“We’re extending track 3 to ensure there is sufficient space for a train to park, maintaining the stabling yard’s capacity,” the Victorian government said in a statement.
“This will remove the space required to access the underpass, meaning it has to close.”
Officials claimed multiple options were investigated to retain the connection, including reconfiguring or relocating the Mordialloc Stabling Yard, providing a new crossing over Mordialloc Creek or building a new underpass.
These options were ruled out as they would reportedly disturb sensitive plants and animals, create unacceptable flood risks, impact moorings and the sea wall, require extensive underground utility and service relocation, and not comply with relevant standards and requirements, such as Austroads Guidelines and the Disability Discrimination Act 2006.
The Mordialloc Stabling Yard is a critical part of the transport network, housing important train driver facilities and rail equipment. While trains are parked in the stabling yard, they undergo cleaning, maintenance and preparation for the next day’s operations.
Retaining the Mordialloc Stabling Yard is essential to keep the Frankston Line running and has been a key consideration in the project design.
For more information see the Victoria’s Big Build website.
