Three dangerous and congested level crossings in Chelsea, Victoria are being fast-tracked to be removed to help reduce disruptions on the Frankston Line as well as improve traffic flow in the south east.
“Fast-tracking the removal of these dangerous crossings will reduce congestion and disruption, and get locals home safer and sooner,” Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said.
Works to remove the three level crossings at Argyle Avenue, Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road in Chelsea will be carried out together with the Edithvale and Bonbeach level crossings. All five level crossings are set to be permanently gone by 2022.
Fast-tracking the removal of these level crossings will mean that locals and commuters will be able to experience less disruption and inconvenience on the Frankston Line.
Works will include lowering the Frankston Line under Edithvale Road in Edithvale as well as on Thames Promenade and Argyle Avenue in Chelsea, and Bondi Road in Bonbeach. A direct connection will be built between Thames Promenade and Nepean Highway to link the Mornington Peninsula Freeway to the future Mordialloc Freeway.
The level crossings at Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road in Chelsea are going to be closed due to the construction of a more direct road network, The level crossing at Lochiel Avenue in Edithvale will also be closed once construction is completed.
“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,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
The intersections along Nepean are going to be upgraded with turning lanes to provide more green time to motorists and, at the same time will improve traffic flow for a more reliable journey.
New train stations at Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach are also going to be built as part of this project. These new stations will provide safer and more direct connections between public transport, local shops, parking and the beach. In addition, walking and cycling paths are going to be constructed as well to make it safer and make what locals love in their area more accessible.
“Streamlining connections between the Freeway and the Nepean will have huge benefits for our growing community - now and in the future,” Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson said.
These projects are part of the $3 billion investment on the Frankston Line that comprises of the removal of 18 level crossings as well as the construction of 12 new stations.
Construction to remove the level crossings at Chelsea, Edithvale and Bonbeach are expected to begin in 2020 and are due to be completed by the end of 2022.
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Source: Premier of Victoria; Level Crossing Removal Project; The Age