Major works will soon begin to remove three level crossings in Melbourne’s southeast, around Carrum station on the Frankston Line.
Work getting fully underway this week will facilitate the construction of 900 metres of elevated railway, and a rebuilt Carrum station, as part of the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project.
Beneath the new elevated rail will be built a new connecting road, an extension of McLeod Road to the beachside of the railway.
Work to build the new elevated rail, station, and McLeod Road connection, will come after a new road bridge was opened over the Patterson River, connecting the communities of Carrum and Broadbeach in late 2018.
Together, the new connections will allow for the closure of three level crossings: one at Eel Race Road south of Carrum station, and two north of the station, at Station Street and Mascot Avenue.
The new section of elevated rail is expected to open in early 2020.
In the meantime, a temporary rail track will be built alongside the existing track, so trains can continue to run – however Carrum station will be closed during construction, with buses connecting commuters to adjacent stations on the Frankston Line.
Once trains are operating on the temporary tracks, piling works will begin for piers to support the new elevated railway.
Crews are currently relocating underground services such as gas, water and power, and upgrading signalling.
“Carrum is going to have a busy year and I thank residents and local businesses for their patience during construction,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said. “The removal of three dangerous and congested level crossings will make it safer and easier to get around this beautiful beachside suburb.”
The project is being supported by a $50 million revitalisation package for the surrounding area, which will see more than 1.2 hectares of new community space, Allan noted.