Finishing works underway in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach

The Victorian Government is removing 20 dangerous and congested level crossings and building 13 new stations as part of a $4 billion upgrade on the Frankston line that will improve safety, reduce congestion and run more trains, more often.

In 2021, we removed the level crossings in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach by lowering the rail line into trenches and building three new train stations.

Works are now underway to put the finishing touches on the projects. Between now and mid 2022, we will build pedestrian crossings, walking and cycling paths and car parks. We will also install landscaping and public art.

We’re building more than 11kms of shared use path between Edithvale and Frankston that will connect communities, while the new station precincts will feature more than 800 trees and 85,000 shrubs, groundcovers and grasses.

By mid 2022, the project will be complete, delivering a safer area for the local community to enjoy and celebrate.

Celebrating local history with station artwork

Through our engagement with the local community, we heard that it was important for public artwork in the station precincts to enhance the coastal designs and suit the bayside feel.

In response, we worked with an Art Steering Committee including Kingston City Council, to choose pieces that celebrate local history and complement the modern station designs.

At Edithvale, ‘Waa’ will feature on the Nepean Highway side of the station. Created by Indigenous artist, Jenna Lee, in consultation and collaboration with Traditional Owners, the Bunurong Land Council, the artwork aims to create a sense of place and inclusiveness, while highlighting the ecological beauty of the area.

At Chelsea, the beach grass artwork will be located at each entrance to the walkway. Inspired by the beach grasses growing along the dunes of Chelsea Beach, sculptural light installations by James Tapscott will frame the new pedestrian bridge and energise the precinct. The five stalks emulate the relaxed atmosphere of the neighbouring beach, while cleverly using light to connect both sides of the rail line.

At Bonbeach, the ‘Bonbird’ will be located near the station entrance to welcome passengers. Created by James and Eleanor Avery, the bird references the local beach lifestyle – its quiff reflecting ocean waves, rolled up beach towels and periwinkle shells. The black and white colours nod to the Bonbeach Life Saving Club’s signature stripes, while the blue body and golden beach ball have been inspired by the nearby sea and golden sands.

Works on the public art will begin soon and will be complete by mid 2022.

Improving pedestrian connections in Chelsea

We heard from the local community that pedestrian crossings were important to you. That’s why we have opened new pedestrian connections, which have made it safer and easier to reach public transport, residential areas, local shops and the beach.

When the project is finished in mid 2022, we will have built five new pedestrian crossings and upgraded 10 existing pedestrian crossings to modern safety and accessibility standards.

This includes a new pedestrian bridge in the heart of Chelsea, providing an east-west connection between Chelsea Road and The Strand.

The design of the pedestrian bridge has been developed in partnership with Kingston City Council and will include ramps, feature lighting, community seating and landscaping.

The iconic Chelsea heritage clock tower will also take pride of place in the new precinct.

Green touches at Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach

As part of a major landscaping program across Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach, we’re planting more than 800 trees and 85,000 shrubs, groundcovers and grasses along the rail corridor and in the new station precincts.

Shaped by feedback from the bayside community, the landscaping features a range of native species that will enhance the coastal look and feel of the area. Species have also been chosen for their ability to withstand the coastal environment, including harsh sun, strong winds and salt spray.

We will plant trees along Nepean Highway and Station Street that reflect the coastal dune landscape and nearby places, such as the Edithvale - Seaford Wetlands. We’ll plant the trees at different stages of maturity and sizes to better blend into the surrounding environment.

More crossings to go on the Frankston line

Since 2016, we have removed 59 level crossings and built 33 new stations across Melbourne. We've also delivered 40kms of bike paths and planted 2 million trees, shrubs and grasses, while supporting thousands of jobs.

We’ve already removed 16 level crossings on the Frankston line in Bentleigh, Ormond, McKinnon, Cheltenham, Mentone, Edithvale, Chelsea, Bonbeach, Carrum, Seaford and Frankston.

Works have now started to remove the 2 level crossings in Glen Huntly, with both level crossings to go in 2023.

We’re also removing the dangerous and congested Warrigal Road, Mentone and Parkers Road, Parkdale level crossings by building a rail bridge over the roads and a new Parkdale Station. A new rail bridge will reduce local congestion and allow more trains to run more often, as well as deliver new open space and better local connections for the community.

Works are due to start in 2023, with boom gates removed and the project completed by 2025.

Thank you

Thank you for your patience while we have worked in the local area. Thank you as well for continuing to visit your favourite local traders despite major works happening in the area.

Upcoming disruptions

Road resurfacing works on sections of Station Street between First Avenue, Aspendale and Mernda Avenue, Bonbeach from mid March to late April. The works will occur in stages to minimise traffic disruptions.

Project Timeline

November 2021

• Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations open to the public
• Trains running in the new rail trenches

Early to mid 2022

• Landscaping and planting works complete
• Station car park complete
• New walking and cycling path between Edithvale and Bonbeach open, creating more than 11km of continuous path to Frankston.