Early works are now underway at Altona, Victoria to remove the dangerous and congested Maidstone Street level crossing.
Crews have been working with utility providers to relocate underground power, water and telecommunication services along Maidstone Street as well as surrounding roads. As part of the works, about 560 metres of power cables, 670 metres of telecommunication cables, 214 metres of gas lines and 215 metres of water pipes are being relocated.
Other works that are also being carried out include constructing a new temporary detour route between Slough Road and Ajax Road ahead of Ajax Road closing at the Maidstone Street intersection.
Crews will also be clearing and compacting the ground near the project site office on Maidstone Street to prepare for the beginning of bridge foundation works, creating a level surface that allows heavy equipment to operate safely when major works commence.
Major works will kick off next month to deliver a new road bridge over the rail line and it is set to open to traffic in 2027. Once up and running, the new Maidstone Street road bridge will boost safety as well as help ease congestion in the area by permanently separating trains and vehicles while also providing a better connection to the new West Gate Tunnel.
The final designs for the new road bridge were released in earlier this year, with community feedback helping to shape it, which avoids impacts on important utilities and protected grasslands.
Source: Victoria’s Big Build (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia