Streamlining traffic along Nepean Highway

The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 18 level crossings on the Frankston line and building 12 new stations as part of a $3 billion upgrade of the Frankston line.

From Edithvale to Bonbeach we’re getting rid of 5 dangerous level crossings, fixing local road networks and upgrading dangerous intersections.

The removal of 5 level crossings in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach means that boom gates will no longer bank up traffic waiting to cross the Frankston line in peak hours.

These changes will take through-traffic off local roads, reducing rat-running, and making local streets safer and quieter.

Closure of Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road

As part of these works, we will close Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road to traffic.

The Swanpool Avenue level crossing creates significant congestion with boom gates down for 48 minutes in the morning peak.

The new Thames Promenade intersection will remove the dangerous intersection at Chelsea Road and give vehicles more efficient and safer access across the Frankston line, as well as direct connections to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and future Mordialloc Freeway.

With the new Thames Promenade connection only 375m away, these changes will add less than 1 minute extra journey time to the average commute from Swanpool Avenue.

Improving traffic flow

• no more congested crossings caused by 200 daily train services
• bigger intersections with more green time
• better access to major arterials
• better local connections to stations, shops and beaches.

Traffic improvements

Edithvale Road, Edithvale, Chelsea Road and Argyle Avenue, Chelsea and Bondi Road, Bonbeach will be removed by lowering the rail line into a trench. Lochiel Avenue, Edithvale, Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road, Chelsea will be closed to traffic.

We’re building a new road connection between Thames Promenade and the Nepean Highway in Chelsea that will create a direct connection to major arterial roads, including the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and future Mordialloc Freeway.

Traffic movements will be streamlined on Thames Promenade and surrounding streets.

The level crossing at Argyle Avenue will be removed and the intersection upgraded with dedicated turning lanes.

These changes allow for the nearby Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road crossings to be closed to vehicles. Pedestrian and cyclist access across the rail line at Swanpool Avenue will be retained with signalised road crossings for safety and accessibility.

There’ll also be pedestrian and cyclist access through the new Chelsea Station precinct.

The removal of the Edithvale Road level crossing incorporates a streamlined 4-lane intersection with dedicated turning lanes over the rail line.

This will improve traffic flow to Nepean Highway as well as to major arterial connections including the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and future Mordialloc Freeway.

This upgrade allows for the closure of the level crossing at Lochiel Avenue with the next crossing only 500m away.

The upgraded Bondi Road, Bonbeach intersection will be extended over the rail line with dedicated turning lanes to cross over the rail line, making a safer and less congested intersection and streamline traffic movements through this area.

How will the improvements impact locals?

Fewer level crossings along this stretch of Nepean Highway will mean less congestion, less time stuck at boom gates, and more reliable journey times for locals and other road users.

There will be better access to major arterials, local shopping precincts, train stations and the beach.

Why do you need to close Swanpool Avenue and Chelsea Road level crossings?

The Swanpool Avenue level crossing creates significant congestion with boom gates down for 48 minutes in the morning peak, and motorists rat-running down local streets.

These congestion hot spots will be removed and traffic lights will be programmed to keep traffic flowing along Nepean Highway. The new Thames Promenade intersection will give vehicles more efficient and safer access across the Frankston line, as well as direct connections to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and future Mordialloc Freeway.