Three level crossings to be removed on Frankston line

The Victorian Government is set to remove three more dangerous and congested level crossings on the Frankston line and build two new stations.

Public Transport Minister, Jacinta Allan, announced that the Labor Government will lower the Frankston line under Charman Road and Park Road in Cheltenham, and Balcombe Road in Mentone, removing the three level crossings forever.

The project will completely rebuild Cheltenham and Mentone Stations, with platform levels below the ground.

The decision to lower the rail line has come after expert technical investigations and extensive community consultation over more than 12 months determined this was the most appropriate solution at these locations.

These level crossings are some of Victoria’s most congested, with boom gates down for up to 49 minutes in the morning peak. They are also dangerous, with two collisions and countless near-misses in the last decade.

Their removal will improve traffic flow in the area and make these bayside communities safer.

“It’s part of our ongoing work to rid this city of our worst level crossings, and get people home safer and sooner,” Ms Allan said.

“The expanded project will also remove the Park Street crossing where the boom gates are down for more than a third of the morning peak – causing disruption, frustration and delays for thousands of motorists every day.”

The project will also reinstate the third track at Cheltenham Station and extend it to connect with the mainline, creating space for more trains, more often on Frankston line.

Lowering the rail line at Cheltenham will require the acquisition of 32 properties – 25 houses and seven businesses. There are no acquisitions required at Mentone.

A dedicated team within the Level Crossing Removal Authority will work closely with all affected owners and tenants through the acquisition process.

In coming months, there will be opportunities for the local community to have input on the urban design, landscaping, paths, parking and new station design.

This consultation and detailed design work will continue through the first half of this year, with the projects put out to tender by the end of the year and construction starting by the end of 2018.