Another dangerous and congested level crossing in Victoria is on track to be permanently gone by 2021, with works set to ramp up in the next month to remove the Toorak Road level crossing in Kooyong.
In June of this year, the alliance between Laing O’Rourke, Jacobs and Metro Trains Melbourne was awarded an $89 million contract to deliver the level crossing removal project.
“Work are ramping up at Toorak Road, as we get on with removing this dangerous level crossing to make it easier and safer to get around.
“Whether it’s removing level crossings, building the Metro tunnel or upgrading suburban roads, we’re getting on with the projects we need to get Victorians where they need to go,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
To remove the level crossing, a rail bridge is going to be built over Toorak Road. The elevated rail design will help ease the bottleneck for the traffic entering and exiting the Monash Freeway as well as provide better pedestrian and cycling connections, and create new community open spaces.
Relocation of underground services and utilities will begin over the first weekend of October and the construction of rail bridge foundations will follow. In order to safely deliver the works, Toorak Road is going to be closed off at the level crossing from the 4th October to 7th October.
For the time being, buses will replace trains and a number of road detours will be set in place. Motorists are encouraged to pass through Burke Road, Tooronga Road and Glenferrie Road to avoid the closed Toorak Road. Traffic existing from the Monash Freeway should use the Burke Road exit to avoid the closure and to avoid the toll at CityLink.
These measures will enable the safe delivery of the new rail bridge next to the existing rail line, and minimise impacts to commuters.
The Toorak Road level crossing is just one of the 75 crossings set to be permanently removed by 2025.
Want to receive the latest industry news and project updates straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Felix Project News today.
Source: Premier of Victoria; Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2); Inside Construction