Works to remove every level crossing and elevate the rail line between Dandenong and Melbourne’s CBD and will begin shortly, using an engineering method that has never been used before in Victoria.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews and Victoria Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan announced that preparations will begin in August 2016 to install two gantry cranes weighing 230 tonnes near Murrumbeena Station ready for an advanced engineering technique never seen before in the state.
The huge gantry cranes measuring 40 metres wide and 150 metres long will install 2,500 locally-manufactured segments of the new modern elevated line by moving back and forth in the air while trains keep running underneath.
The advanced technique significantly reduces the impact on passengers and nearby homes during construction.
The new train line will remove nine of Victoria’s worst level crossings, reduce road congestion, improve safety and creating space to run more trains in and out of the city.
Mr Andrews said these were some of Melbourne’s worst level crossings.
“They’re dangerous, they’re congested, and they stop us running more trains on our busiest train line,” Mr Andrews said
“We’re getting rid of every level crossing by building modern elevated rail – it means less disruption, five new stations, and 11 MCGs of new community space – and we’re getting it done.”
New power and signalling will be installed and 30 platforms along the Cranbourne-Pakenham line will be extended so they are ready for the 65 new high-capacity trains that will begin using the line when the project is finished in 2018.
Ms Allan said, “This massive construction effort will create more than 2,000 jobs building a better line to carry more trains without clogging up our roads.”
However, there will be impacts on commuter car parking while the five new elevated train stations are built as the car park at Murrumbeena Station will be fully closed and the car park at Noble Park will be partially closed from the start of August 2016 until the project is finished in 2018.
Carnegie Station car park will also be fully closed, Clayton Station car park will partially close in September 2016 and Hughesdale Station will also close in late 2016 until 2018.
Ms Allan said, “There will be impact on car parking while we build the new stations but every space will be off-set nearby, and ultimately the project will create more parking for passengers, as well as new open space for the community.”
