Major construction blitz under way

Glen Huntly Road's boom gates are gone, and by the end of May Neerim Road's will be too. From June we're kicking off the 'Big Dig', where we'll build the rail trench making Glen Huntly level crossing free for good.

We’re making the Frankston Line level crossing free by removing all 27 of the dangerous and congested level crossings by 2029 and building 17 new stations, improving safety, reducing congestion and allowing more trains to run more often.

At Glen Huntly, our major construction blitz is underway and crews are working around the clock. Glen Huntly Road closed in early May so we could remove the boom gates and tram square. Neerim Road is closing late May, bringing us even closer to getting your new station up and running.

In early June, the 'Big Dig' begins. We'll remove 160,000 cubic metres of material – enough to fill 64 Olympic pools – to create the trench and lower the rail line

By early August, the new Glen Huntly Station will be ready for train passengers and Glen Huntly will be level crossing free for good.

Why these level crossings need to go

• About 20,000 vehicles travel through each day
• Boom gates can be down for 1 hour in the weekday peak
• Improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, tram passengers and drivers
• Better connections between the station, shops, homes and amenities
• A new Glen Huntly Station with modern and safe facilities

Changes to the way you travel

While we work to dig a 1.2km rail trench, build a new Glen Huntly Station, and remove both dangerous boom gates for good, both Glen Huntly Road and Neerim Road will be closed at the level crossings. By closing both roads at the same time, our crews will be able to work quicker and get the roads and rail line open sooner.

Train

Glen Huntly Station will remain closed until the new station is built.

From Monday 8 May to 9pm Friday 2 June, a shuttle bus will connect passengers in Glen Huntly to train services at Caulfield and Ormond.

Buses replace trains on sections of the Frankston Line until early August.

Visit the PTV website for the latest information.

Tram

From May, we’re removing the tram tracks that cross the rail line at Glen Huntly Road. This means trams can’t operate through this area.

Buses replace Route 67 trams between Glenhuntly Tram Depot and Carnegie until Glen Huntly Road reopens in mid-July and tram services resume. When you change from the bus to the tram you must touch on your myki to validate your travel.

Road and Pedestrian

• Glen Huntly Road will be closed between James Street and Grange Road until mid-July 2023.
• Neerim Road will be closed between Booran Road and Grange Road from 29 May until late June 2023.

Pedestrian and footpath access to the area will be maintained with some local detours in place. Detours will be clearly signposted and traffic management will be in place to keep you safe.

If you need help to safely cross to the other side of the rail line, you can travel on the Yarra Trams replacement bus for free if you’re not connecting with a tram or train service. Simply board the bus at a tram replacement bus stop or temporary replacement bus stops.

Stay up to date with road closures and detours

Disruptions are regularly updated and added to the disruptions page.

You can also find more detailed information and maps on train, tram, road and pedestrian disruptions and detours. We suggest subscribing to the Frankston Line calendar and checking back regularly to stay up to date.

Works are on, shops are open

You’ll still be able to visit the shops along Glen Huntly Road during the works, and pedestrian access along the footpath will be maintained at all times. A free community shuttle bus will be available to help people cross to the other side of the rail line. Local parking will remain available on surrounding streets. See a map of where you can park while works are on below.

Support local and visit Glen Huntly Village

Shop local and show your support to Glen Huntly traders while works are on - and keep at eye out for special deals and promotions!

Keep an eye on what's coming up, and download the Glen Huntly Village Traders' Directory.

Support local and visit Glen Huntly Village

While Glen Huntly Road is closed, footpath buggies are available to help anyone needing some extra help getting to and from the Glen Huntly Village shops.

We're working with Travellers Aid Australia to help make life easier for anyone seeking access, or even those who simply need help carrying their shopping.

You can catch a free ride with the Travellers Aid crew in Glen Huntly between 8am and 5pm, 7 days a week. Just flag down a buggy or call 0498 023 959.

Let's talk trenches

We’re digging out 160,000 cubic metres of material from the ground to build the Glen Huntly rail trench.

The trench will be around 9m deep, with the rail line sitting 7.5m below the ground.

At the end of construction, the trench will contain:

• 30,000 cubic metres of concrete (enough to fill 12 Olympic swimming pools)
• 3000 piles – these are installed alongside the trench to provide structural support
• 6000 sleepers – these are the horizontal slats that are laid underneath the track.

How we’ll dig a 1.2km trench in just a few months

If we were to start at one end and work horizontally to dig 1.2km of trench, it could take around a year to complete. This would significantly extend the time that Glen Huntly is disrupted.

Instead, we’re accelerating these works by digging the trench in 4 separate sections, with 4 diggers and 4 excavators working at the same time. This will mean the entire trench becomes deeper and deeper, instead of longer and longer, and we’ll be finished in around 2 months.

The Glen Huntly Road boom gates are now gone.

It's time to retire one of Melbourne's last tram squares

When we removed the boom gates at Glen Huntly Road, we also removed the tram square: the complicated infrastructure needed when tram tracks cross over a rail level crossing. It includes the tracks and overhead powerlines for both the trams and trains.

Trams and trains operate at different voltages. When a tram line crosses over a level crossing, a tram square switches one voltage to the other so a tram or train can slowly move through.

The Glen Huntly tram square is one of the last tram squares in Melbourne. By removing this outdated infrastructure and lowering the rail line into a trench, trains and trams will be able to run more safely and efficiently, with no more crossed wires.

In May, we removed Melbourne's second-last tram square.

What to expect from your new station

When the new station opens, it will have a new name. The station will be called ‘Glen Huntly’, to bring the name in line with the suburb and road.

The new Glen Huntly Station has been designed to appeal to all commuters: train passengers, people connecting with tram services, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.

The station design reflects community feedback and includes traditional elements and materials, including handlaid bricks that will be repurposed from the original Glenhuntly Station. Other materials include granite and bluestone.

The station opens into a large vibrant forecourt, featuring landscaping and seating, connecting commuters with the Glen Huntly Road shopping precinct.

Other station features:

• A new tram stop in front of the station, better connecting tram and train services
• Additional carparking, including 5 disability bays and 3 kiss-and ride bays
• Cycle and ride facilities, with brand-new secure bike cages available
• Safety upgrades, including new lighting and CCTV cameras throughout the precinct.

Safety upgrades, including new lighting and CCTV cameras throughout the precinct.

Stay informed

• Sign up for email newsletters
• Call us on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 24 hours a day
• Sign up to text message alerts for major traffic and construction impacts by texting ‘GH’ to 0429 839 892
• Send us a private message on the Level Crossing Removal Project Facebook page
• We'll also be out and about in the neighbourhood ready and rearing to answer your questions. Keep your eyes peeled - the high vis uniforms really stand out.