The $2.4 billion Level Crossing Removal project, which aims to remove 50 congested and dangerous level crossings in Melbourne, will be fast-tracked over the Easter period. Three of the worst level crossings in the area - North Road in Ormond, McKinnon Road in McKinnon and Centre Road in Bentleigh - will be removed months ahead of schedule.
Yesterday morning, Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan at McKinnon Road level crossing during the morning peak where boom gates were down for more than 45 minutes.
As the Easter holiday period is quieter, construction crews will take advantage of this time to lay bridge decks at Centre and McKinnon Roads. This will enable the flow of traffic while the lowered train line is being dug underneath.
“More than 500 staff will work round the clock this Easter, so these dangerous crossings are gone and these new stations are built months ahead of schedule – we’re getting on with it.” – Premier Daniel Andrews
Buses will be replacing trains on sections of the Frankston line starting 25th March until 5th April as this will allow works to be done efficiently and safely. On the other hand, Centre and McKinnon Road will be closed starting late on 24th March until 5AM on 5th April.
McKinnon and Ormond Stations will be closed for four to five months so they can be demolished and rebuilt completely. The trains will be replaced by buses on this section of the Frankston line.
Early in June, Bentleigh Station will be closed for rebuilding. All three stations – Mckinnon, Ormond and Bentleigh – are due to open ahead of schedule right by the beginning of the 2016 Australian Football League finals. The congested and dangerous level crossing will also be gone by then.
“I thank locals and passengers for their patience while we get rid of these congested death-traps. There will be disruption, but it’s nothing compared to the congestion, delay and distress these crossings cause every day.” – Minister Luke Donnellan
Construction works in St Albans will be done over the Easter holidays as well. Furlong Road will be closed starting 27th March to 18th April. Bus or train services will not be affected.
This coming weekend, a short construction campaign will impact services as well. Buses will replace trains between Caulfield and Mordialloc stations starting 4th March at 7PM until the last service on 6th March. On the other hand, Centre Road will be closed out this weekend to allow construction works to be done safely.
The removal of at least 20 out of 50 level crossings will be completed by 2018. Construction is well underway on several sites. Level Crossing Authority has listed the various sites included in the project. You can check out the full list here.
Image source: Level Crossings Removal Authority
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Author's note: Original article came from The Premier of Victoria