Three level crossings in Chelsea, Melbourne will be fast tracked for removal, reducing disruptions on the Frankston line.
Works to start 2020, at the same time as the Edithvale and Bonbeach level crossing removals, and all are due to be removed by the end of 2022.
Fast-tracking the Chelsea crossings is intended to minimise the disruption and reduce inconvenience with fewer days of rail closures on the Frankston line.
During works, the Frankston line will be lowered into a trench under Edithvale Road in Edithvale, Thames Promenade and Argyle Avenue in Chelsea, and Bondi Road in Bonbeach. A new direct connection will be created between Thames Promenade and Nepean Highway creating a streamlined connection to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and future Mordialloc Freeway.
By creating a more direct road network in Chelsea, level crossings at Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road in Chelsea can be closed. These changes will remove the current congestion hot-spots caused by boom gates and the complicated intersection at Chelsea Road. Improving the Edithvale Road intersection means Lochiel Avenue in Edithvale will also close.
The boom gate-free intersections along the Nepean will be upgraded with dedicated turning lanes, so there is more green time. These changes will improve traffic flow, getting through-traffic off local roads and giving locals more reliable journey times.
Three new modern stations will be built at Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach, creating safer and easier links to public transport, local shops, parking and the beach.
