Construction has begun to remove three dangerous level crossings and build two new stations at Cheltenham and Mentone in Melbourne.
Works have ramped up at the site following a week long closure of the rail line, with buses replacing trains on the Frankston line.
It is part of the Victorian Government’s $3 billion investment into the Frankston Line, which includes removing 18 level crossings and 12 new stations.
Stringent protocols are in place to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a goal of providing job security for workers on major Victorian projects. Extra precautions are in place to keep the workers safe and ensure the works can be completed as fast as possible.
“We’re continuing work on these projects despite the COVID-19 outbreak – providing certainty to local workers and making progress on delivering a better train network for Victorians,” Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said.
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“These level crossings are dangerous and unsafe – we’re getting rid of them, like we promised, as well as delivering new stations for Cheltenham and Mentone, with more open space for the community to enjoy.”
During the shutdown, crews will continue piling, service relocation and other works as they prepare for a two-month shut down, scheduled for later this year.
The major construction blitz is currently planned to begin on 24 May and will run for eight weeks. It will see rail trenches dug out and the new stations built.
The new Mentone Station will open when trains resume on the Frankston line in mid-July, with Cheltenham Station to follow in August.
“Getting rid of these level crossings has been talked about forever – we’re getting on with the job and extending the historic Mentone Station gardens as well,” Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson said.