Construction crews have worked around the clock at the Evans Road level crossing in Lyndhurst, Melbourne, to install seven massive bridge beams.
The bridge beams, which each weighed around 70 tonnes and spanned 32 metres, will form a new road bridge over the Cranbourne line to help reconnect fast-growing communities in Melbourne’s south-east.
Metro Trains Melbourne and Fulton Hogan worked to safely install the beams in late May.
The bridge beams were made in Kilmore and were delivered to site overnight by trucks travelling via the Hume Freeway, Metropolitan Ring Road, Western Ring Road, West Gate Freeway, CityLink and the Monash Freeway.
Designs for Evans Road include a road bridge, increased planting around retaining walls, barrier installation on the west side of the bridge and a shared walking and cycling path.
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The Evans Road level crossing was originally closed in 2005. This move divided the communities of Lyndhurst, Lynbrook and Cranbourne West. Locals reported road users taking huge risks to access the other side of the rail line to avoid lengthy detours after the crossing’s closure.
The reopening of Evans Road will restore a vital road connection for commuters and residents in south eastern communities.
The Victorian Government is removing 75 level crossings, with 35 already gone for good. The Cranbourne line is expected to become the first level crossing-free line in the state.
The Evans Road level crossing will be removed this year.