Construction starts

The contract to remove the level crossing at Heatherdale Road in Mitcham has been awarded to an alliance including Leighton Contractors, Aurecon and Arcadis. They are partnering with VicRoads, Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Metro Trains Melbourne to construct the project, due to be completed by mid 2017. This includes lowering the train line under Heatherdale Road, building a new Heatherdale Station and car park upgrades.

While most of our project works will be done during the day, overnight works will occur at times so we can be on and near the tracks when trains are not running.

Heatherdale Road at Mitcham will generally remain open but at times there will be closures at the level crossing to relocate services, build the road bridge and join the tracks.

Our works begin

Civil works in November will include:

• Clearing up undergrowth/litter and trimming branches that overhang train power supplies/structures.
• Installing secure fences along the rail corridor for worker safety and asset protection.
• Other works such as soil sampling, boring and excavating for future service relocations.
• Surveying and inspections, works to secure and relocate services on, above and below ground/tracks.

Separate notifications will be provided to and consultation will occur with the local community during early November.

Project timelines

November 2015

• Construction preparation works

February 2015

• Construction accelerates, excavation on either side of the tracks where the tracks will be lowered

June 2016

• Station piling (foundation works)

December 2016

• 4 week main closure starts – no trains, Heatherdale Road closed to through crossing

January 2017

• New Heatherdale Station building opens on the Ringwood side of Heatherdale Road

May 2017

• Project complete, including new shared use path, landscaping and upgraded station car parks

What to expect

While out planning aims to limit disruptions to and impacts on the local community and services, the following unavoidable impacts are currently planned.

Weekend works

We will work around the clock from 9pm on Friday 13 November until 4am on Monday 16 November 2015, near Heatherdale Station, between EastLink and along the rail corridor towards Cochrane Street in Mitcham.

Night works

We will directly contact residents who may be entitled to temporary relocation.

Changes to services

While we complete these works as part of the Heatherdale Road Level Crossing Removal Project, buses will replace all trains between Ringwood and Box Hill on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November.

Please note that this may increase your journey by up to 35 minutes.

To check the location of the train replacement bus stops and details of the replacement bus services visit the PTV website or call 1800 800 007 (6am to midnight daily).

Road closures

As part of these works, Heatherdale Road will be closed from 9pm Friday 13 November until 4am Monday 16 November.

Noise, dust and vibration

While we have strict control measures, there may be additional noise, dust and vibrations.