Engineering, Passenger Rail, Safety, Standards & Regulation

Rail bridge chosen for Frankston crossing removal

Level Crossing Victoria. Photo: Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

The Victorian Government says it is “fast-tracking” the removal of a level crossing in Frankston, with a design option selected and a preferred contractor to be selected by midway through this year.

Transport minister Jacinta Allan on February 25 said the Skye/Overton Road level crossing would be eliminated via a new rail bridge.

Melbourne Water determined lowering the rail line into a trench would create a barrier across the existing floodplain and would interrupt overland water flows, the minister said.

“We’re getting rid of more dangerous level crossings than any government in Victoria’s history,” Allan said.

“10 are already gone, 10 are underway and the fast-tracking of this crossing means eight more removals will start this year.”

Allan noted the Skye/Overton road crossing was one of the state’s worst.

Boom gates at the crossing are down for more than a quarter of the two-hour morning peak, and three collisions have occurred at the crossing in the past decade.

Over coming months, the Level Crossing Removal Authority will go after community feedback on the design, including landscaping, lighting, parking and path options.

“We’re fast-tracking this crossing this crossing to reduce congestion and make Frankston safer, sooner,” Allan said.

Local member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke said the fast-tracking was “a big win for the local community”.

“Work will start this year and by the end of next, this dangerous local level crossing will be gone forever,” he said.