Construction of a new elevated train line in Melbourne’s south-east as part of Victoria’s level crossing removal project is well underway, with the first of 350 support columns now set in place.
Two 6.7m support columns have been fitted on the elevated train line site in Murrumbeena, which will help to replace some of the worst level crossings in the state.
Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, said, “The first piece of this huge project is in place – the start of a massive construction blitz that will remove nine of our worst level crossings and create space for more trains on Victoria’s busiest line.”
Removal of the crossings will reduce road congestion, improve safety and create space to run more trains, more often on Victoria’s busiest rail corridor.
The $1.6 billion project will also build five new stations, upgrade power and signalling, and create 22.5 hectares on new public open space for parks, paths and community facilities.
The concrete columns of the new line will be built in Melton over the next eight months, supporting local jobs in Melbourne’s outer west. Overall, the project is expected to create around 2,000 new jobs.
