The project to remove nine level crossings on the Melbourne’s Frankston Line will begin next year alongside other upgrades, with works to start at Carrum and Seaford next month.
A Lendlease, Acciona Coleman and WSP consortium will undertake the $588 million project to remove four levels crossings at Station Street/Bondi Road at Bonbeach, Eel Race Road and Station Street in Carrum, and Seaford Road in Seaford.
“These dangerous and congested level crossings will soon be relics of the past with major work starting next year,” premier Daniel Andrews said.
“This project will reduce congestion, improve public transport and save lives. We promised to get rid of these crossings and we’re getting it done.”
Removal of the Seaford Road level crossing will begin early next year, and will involve lowering Seaford Road by about 1.5 metres and placing the rail line onto a planted embankment, thereby avoiding impacts on groundwater flows in the area and protecting the wetlands. These works will be joined by upgrades to the R.F Miles reserves and surrounds.
The construction of a new road bridge for Station Street over the Patterson river to connect Bonbeach and Carrum will also begin in early 2018, along with road reconfiguration works to connect McLeod Road to the Nepean Highway.
Preparation works for level crossing removals at Carrum in start in late 2018, with the project to be completed in 2019. A new station will also be built, along with a a new promenade extending McLeod Road to the beach.
“These works bring an exciting opportunity for this local community – new stations, more vibrant open spaces and the ability for locals to get home safer and sooner,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
Beginning in late 2018, three further level crossings will be removed in Cheltenham at Park Road and Charman Road, and in Mentone, on Balcombe Road.
Along with the level crossing removal works, in 2019 a new train storage facility is to be constructed near Kananook Station with space for 24 trains, while the current stabling at Carrum (which stores 6 trains) will be removed, opening-up space for commuter car parking.