The design for the rail bridge that will replace the Hallam Road level crossing in Melbourne’s south east has been revealed.
Site investigations and engineering assessments have determined that the rail bridge design is the best way to remove the level crossing, which currently sees 20,000 vehicles travel through the crossing each day.
The crossing boom gates are reportedly down for more than a third of the two-hour morning peak and delays are expected to increase over time as more trains run on the Pakenham line in the future.
State transport minister Jacinta Allan said the rail bridge design will minimise disruption to road and rail users and enable the final section of Hallam Road to be duplicated in the future.
“Building the rail bridge will get people home sooner and safer in one of the fastest growing communities,” said Allan.
Other designs were ruled out due a high-water table, an increased flood risk and impacts to the Hallam Main Drain. Alternatives would also reportedly take a year longer to construct, require compulsory acquisition of businesses, and have permanent impacts to the station’s car park and bus stops.
The project will also see the construction of a new elevated Hallam Station, featuring upgraded facilities and improved pedestrian and cycling connections around the station precinct.
Upgrades to the Pakenham line have seen nine level crossings removed so far, with another eight planned.
Works on the Hallam level crossing are planned to get underway in 2020, while the level crossing itself is to be removed in 2022.