The Victorian government has added three more crossings to the Edithvale-Bonbeach project in Melbourne’s southeast, to reduce overall disruptions on the Frankston line.
Level crossings at Swanpool Avenue, Chelsea Road and Argyle Avenue in Chelsea, 30 kilometres southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, will now be removed at the same time as four other crossings, with completion targeted for 2022.
Overall the Edithvale to Bonbeach project now means the Frankston line will be lowered into a trench under Edithvale Road in Edithvale, Thames Promenade and Argyle Avenue in Chelsea, and Bondi Road in Bonbeach.
The greater connectivity achieved through this work will allow for the total closure of existing crossings at Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road in Chelsea, and at Lochiel Avenue in Edithvale.
The work also involves building three new modern stations at Edithvale, Chelsea, and Bonbeach.
Construction is expected to begin midway through 2020, with a contract award targeted for early in 2020.
State transport minister Jacinta Allan said the work was part of a $3 billion investment in the Frankston line, which includes removing 18 level crossings and building 12 new stations.
“Bringing these works forward will mean fewer disruptions for residents, traders, and visitors to Chelsea – plus getting rid of the dangerous dogleg at Chelsea Road will improve congestion and get traffic off local roads,” Allan said.
The Frankston line reopened on Monday after an eight-day shutdown, during which the old Carrum station was removed and construction of a temporary track was completed so the line can keep running while work takes place there on a new station and bridge.