2 more crossings gone forever!

The Blackburn Road level crossing is now history.

After 41 days of construction around the clock, the rail line is now open with trains travelling underneath Blackburn Road for the first time. Over the summer, the project team removed the ninth and tenth level crossings since the Level Crossing Removal Project was formed in 2015. Blackburn Road  in Blackburn and Heatherdale Road in Mitcham reopened as scheduled on Monday 6 February.

Traffic is no longer held up by trains and pedestrians can use the new pedestrian bridge to safely cross the rail line between Morton Park and Cottage Street.

Although the major works are now finished, there is work still to be done over the coming months to install the new lifts, stairs and ramps, complete the walking and cycling path and begin landscaping.

Community corner

During the summer works weekly community Q&A sessions were held at Morton Park. Viewers could see a constant stream of trucks and excavators in action.

Due to popular demand, we added a few extra times and held a total of nine sessions, including two kids sessions. Some great discussions were had and questions asked, and we appreciated the support and engagement.

We hope you enjoyed coming out and seeing the works in action.

To get a closer look at the progression of the works you can also view photos, time lapse and drone footage on our social media channels.

A huge thank you from the Blackburn Level Crossing Removal Project to the Blackburn community, traders and commuters for your ongoing support and patience.

Key statistics

These are just some of the amazing statistics that tell part of the story of the summer works program.

• Over 790,000 passenger trips on train-replacement buses.
• Over 250,000 work hours across the Blackburn/Heatherdale site.
• 270,000 tonnes of material removed from the rail corridor at Blackburn.
• 14,500 square metres of concrete sprayed on the walls of the cutting.
• 5.5km of drainage installed.
• 7.3km of overhead wiring installed.
• 9 community Q&A sessions held in Blackburn.
• The equivalent of 6 months of works delivered in just 6 weeks.

Upcoming works

While the level crossing has now been removed, you will still see works happening over the coming months.

Blackburn Station

Works will continue on the two lifts and the South Parade and Railway Road station entrances. South Parade and Railway Road Works on South Parade and Railway Road will continue.

At times this will involve changes to pedestrian paths, temporary relocation of bus stops and temporary parking changes. Please take note of all signage.

Blackburn Road, Cottage Street and Oliver Avenue bridges

Ongoing works on the bridges to finalise screens and pathways.

Rail cutting

Finish remaining shotcreting of walls and other minor works.

Shared use path and fencing

Over the coming month, works will start on the walking and cycling path between Blackburn Station and Nunawading. This will also include works to be carried out on the fencing between private properties and the path.

Weekend disruption 3 to 6 March

Belgrave/Lilydale train line

To enable works in the rail corridor, the following disruptions to train services are planned:

• from 8.45pm Friday 3 March until 8pm Saturday 4 March — buses will replace trains between Box Hill and Ringwood stations
• from 8pm Saturday 4 March until the last service on Sunday 5 March — buses will replace trains between Box Hill and Belgrave stations.

Disruptions

Works from 3 to 6 March will focus on areas around Blackburn station, in the underpass and within the rail cutting. Some works will be carried out at night in the rail cutting, but are unlikely to generate disruptive noise.

Works will also continue on the walking and cycling path, including at the Nunawading/Laughlin Avenue section.

Blackburn Road closure

Blackburn Road will be closed between South Parade and Railway Road from 8:00pm Friday 3 March until 5:00am Monday 6 March. South Parade will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians.

Changes to pedestrian access

Cottage Street and Oliver Avenue pedestrian bridges will be closed for the weekend.

Blackburn station underpass will also be closed during this weekend. Blackburn Road will be the closest crossing point.