Major works underway

The Victorian Government is removing 20 dangerous level crossings and building 13 new stations as part of a $3 billion upgrade on the Frankston line that will improve safety, reduce congestion and run more trains, more often.

Major works kicked off in late July to remove 5 dangerous and congested level crossings, build 3 new modern stations and create a more direct road network.

There will be changes to traffic conditions and access points across the rail line and increased construction activity in the area, with wayfinding and traffic management in place.

We have planned ahead to minimise disruptions to the local community by completing as much work as we can while keeping the Frankston line open. This includes piling, rail signalling, building station foundations, drainage upgrades and traffic light installation.

From Monday 13 September until early November, we will work around the clock to excavate the rail trenches, build roads over the rail trenches, lay new tracks and upgrade signalling.

During this time, buses will replace trains between Mordialloc, Frankston and Stony Point, with free community shuttle buses also running to get locals where they need to go.

Your new road and pedestrian connections will open in early October and new Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations will open in November 2021.

Project facts

• New road and pedestrian connections open by early October
• 5 level crossings gone for good by November
• 3 new stations open in November
• Trains running in the new rail trenches in November

Getting around

Free community shuttle bus

Free shuttle buses will run in a loop service between Mordialloc and Carrum every 5 to 10 minutes, subject to traffic conditions.

You can catch the bus to the nearest open pedestrian crossing, safely cross the rail line, then catch the next shuttle bus heading the other way. Alternatively, you can also stay on the bus all the way to the shops.

Shuttle buses will run until pedestrian access at the new road connections open in early October.

If you need further assistance to travel, please speak to PTV staff onsite or call PTV to arrange alternative transport on 1800 800 007.

Pedestrian crossings update

From early October 2021 pedestrians will be able to cross the Frankston line where the new road connections are open at:

• Edithvale Road, Edithvale
• Thames Promenade, Chelsea
• Argyle Avenue, Chelsea
• Bondi Road, Bonbeach.

Following the opening of the first road, the Lochiel Avenue level crossing in Edithvale and Swanpool Avenue level crossing in Chelsea will be permanently closed to traffic and temporarily closed to pedestrians. New pedestrian crossings at these locations will open late 2021.

Pedestrian access at the Berry Avenue level crossing in Edithvale will temporarily close for construction works from Thursday 16 September to Tuesday 21 September.

Wayfinding and traffic management will be in place to help you move safely through the area, including at the Swanpool Avenue level crossing.

Through-traffic will be encouraged to avoid Nepean Highway, with detours signed at Lower Dandenong Road, White Street, Seaford Road and McLeod Road.

Faster finish, less disruption

The Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach projects were originally planned to be finished in 2 stages – with Edithvale and Bonbeach by 2022 and Chelsea by 2025.

To minimise disruptions to the Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach communities, these projects have been combined and all works delivered simultaneously. The projects have also been fast-tracked, with level crossings gone by early October and new stations open in November 2021.

How we manage construction impacts

Managing and mitigating construction impacts for the local community is our key priority. We have management plans in place to mitigate the impacts of any:

• noise and vibration - we use noise blankets wherever possible, while actively monitoring noise and ground vibration levels.
• light spill during nightworks - while temporary lighting is needed at times for safety, we keep lighting to a minimum and direct light towers away from homes and businesses wherever possible.
• dust and mud - we spray exposed areas with water, cover truck loads, regularly use street sweepers and actively monitor air quality to comply with Victorian guidelines.
• traffic congestion - our traffic management plans consider existing conditions, speed limits, traffic volumes and public transport.

Truck movements

Lowering the Frankston line means we need to remove more than 200,000 cubic metres of soil and rock from the rail corridor.

As we start digging the rail trenches, you can expect an increase of construction vehicles in the area and frequent truck movements. These vehicles are critical to our works – delivering and transporting materials we need to get the job done.

We aim to move trucks away from construction sites, local streets and onto the arterial road network as efficiently as possible.

The main load out of materials will be via Station Street. Project trucks will use Thames Promenade, Edithvale Road and McLeod Road. Residents impacted by these routes will be contacted about changes to local traffic conditions.

For safety, some streets may become one-way only, with temporary removal of street parking while we work.

Project timeline

Mid 2021

• From late July, 4 level crossings closed
• The old Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations were closed and demolished.

Sept 2021

• From 9pm Monday 13 September to last service Sunday 31 October, buses will replace trains while we excavate the rail trenches, build roads over the rail trenches, lay new tracks and signalling

Oct 2021

• 5 level crossings from Edithvale to Bonbeach gone for good
• Roads will open, including Edithvale Road, new Thames Promenade connection, Argyle Avenue and Bondi Road

Nov 2021

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

Early 2022

• Landscaping and planting works complete
• New shared use path between Edithvale to Bonbeach open, creating more than 11km of continuous shared use path to Frankston

*Timeline above Is subject to change

GO Local supporting local traders

We have several initiatives in place to keep you connected with local businesses, including the free community shuttle bus and our online trader directory promoting special deals and community prizes.

We're working with business owners, trader associations and the Council to leave a legacy well beyond project completion.

We also have various activities planned to support local businesses through our large workforce, including:

• occupational health and safety programs offered by local service providers
• a structured program to enable our workforce to go local for meals, goods and services
• providing workforce break and shift times to local businesses to allow them to tweak their opening hours if desired.