Your rail bridges are taking shape

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.

Major works are well underway as we work to remove the dangerous and congested level crossings at McDonald Street, Mordialloc and Station Street in Aspendale.

In August, the Bear Street level crossing was closed to vehicles, and trains began operating in both directions on a single track. This allows passengers to keep moving while we construct the new rail bridges and the new Mordialloc Station, both to be complete in 2026.

In September, crews began pouring concrete pile caps, piers and crossheads – the structures that form the strong foundation for the new rail bridges.

In October we finished drilling 180 holes up to 30 metres deep, which is the height of a 10-storey building. These holes are called piles. They are filled with concrete and form the underground foundations for the rail bridge.

In November, we finished installing the beams that will form the rail bridge at Station Street, Aspendale.

These beams are placed on top of the large concrete piers to form the base of the elevated rail line where the sleepers and tracks will go.

With beams for the new rail bridge and sections of the prefabricated station buildings recently being installed, your new Mordialloc Station is now starting to take shape.

Why these level crossings need to go

• Around 26,000 vehicles travel through these three level crossings every day
• Boom gates are down for approximately 40 minutes of the morning peak (7am to 9am
• 33 trains during the morning peak
• 12 near misses at these crossings since 2016 and one fatality

Rail bridge construction under way

The new rail bridges in Mordialloc and Aspendale are beginning to take shape, with foundation works powering ahead.

In mid-September we poured the first concrete columns, called piers, that will elevate the rail bridge. There will be a total of 20 concrete piers supporting the McDonald Street rail bridge and six piers supporting the Station Street bridge in Aspendale.

After the piers are built, we begin placing the bases that the train tracks will run through once the project is complete in 2026. These bases are made up of giant L-shaped beams, which are 25-31 metres long. These are lifted by large cranes and placed on top of the piers. Two L-beams are ‘stitched together’ with concrete to form U-shaped troughs that form the base where we lay the train tracks to enable trains to travel over the bridge. From December, large pre-fabricated concrete beams – called super Ts – are being installed in the station area and will form the elevated platforms. Prefabricated sections of the new Mordialloc Station will be constructed alongside the super Ts.

Passengers using Mordialloc Station have a front row seat of all this construction activity in the new station precinct now we have removed the Frankston-bound building and platform and two of the three rail tracks.

To find out more about how we build the rail bridge, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov. au/mordi-rail-bridge

Keeping Frankston Line passengers moving

We’ve been able to carry out most of these works while keeping Mordialloc Station open and Frankston Line passengers moving.

To do this, we’ve closed Platform 2 and trains are running in both directions from Platform 1 until mid 2026, keeping passengers moving and reducing the need for replacement buses while we build the rail bridges and new station.

Progress in Mordialloc

We've been working hard to build the Station Street, Aspendale and McDonald Street, Mordialloc rail bridges by piling, pouring the piers and crossheads, and installing the L-beams.

While we've been building the rail bridges, your new Mordialloc Station is being built off site. Sections of the new station began arriving in late November.

Construction in numbers

• Installed 4,500 new concrete sleepers
• Laid 6,500 metres of track
• Poured 14,000 cubic metres of concrete
• Installed 68 L-shaped beams weighing up to 128 tonnes
• Poured 26 piers and crossheads
• Drilled more than 180 piles

Meet your new Mordialloc Station

We’re building a premium elevated Mordialloc Station with modern facilities, a new one kilometre walking and cycling path through the station precinct, landscaped public space, and 200 rail passenger car spaces.

Opening next year when the level crossings are removed, the new station will celebrate Mordialloc’s history and distinctive connection to the beach.

Landscaping and paths will be arranged around the iconic water tower in shapes that mimic the flow of water. The original city-bound building will be retained for use by station staff.

The bridge structures and interior station buildings will feature natural tones to complement native vegetation planted throughout the area.

The station forecourt will feature raised garden beds, seating, and landscaped areas, creating a vibrant and open space. We'll plant 85,000 plants, shrubs and grasses as part of the project.

Pedestrian access changes

New Park Street connection

To keep cross-rail connections, we’re building a new accessible path next to the stabling yard, which will connect into the existing paths at George Woods Reserve and Park Street. Construction has begun, with temporary detours in place to keep pedestrians moving safely.

McDonald Street and Bear streets closed at times

There will be intermittent changes to pedestrian access on McDonald and Bear streets until late 2026. Pedestrians may be redirected at times. We've installed a new pedestrian crossing on the corner of Albert Street and McDonald Street which will improve pedestrian movement through the area.

Changes to the way you travel

As we build the new rail bridges, there will be some changes to travel in the area:

• Intermittent overnight road and lane closures on Station Street, Aspendale and McDonald and Albert streets, Mordialloc as we deliver sections of the new rail bridge.
• Ongoing traffic management in place along Station Street, Aspendale and Albert Street, Mordialloc to allow vehicles to safely enter and exit works areas.
• Buses will replace trains on sections of the Frankston Line at times until late 2025.

Trader Spotlight: Tanabe Japanese Restaurant

Meet Tanabe and Kazu, a father and son duo who have been plating up delicious and authentic Japanese dishes for the Mordialloc community for over a decade. We chat with Kazu about their popular restaurant, and why they call Mordialloc home.

How did Tanabe get started?

Before the restaurant Tanabe, my father co-owned Kazu (named after me!) in Mornington for 9 years. Growing up, my siblings and I all helped out – whether it was taking orders or preparing locally sourced ingredients. My father became unwell and had to step away from Kazu. After recovering, we began our search for the perfect location for our new restaurant, as father and son. We decided to name this new restaurant Tanabe, after him.

What inspired you to bring traditional Japanese cuisine to Mordialloc?

Mordy is a beautiful little town. We love how kind and welcoming the community is here. We’ve been a part of the Mordialloc community for almost 15 years now and look forward to many more, serving our traditional cuisine from our hometown in Japan.

What’s popular at Tanabe?

Sushi and sashimi are our pride. Zuke Maguro (marinated tuna with mayo and mashed avocado) is one of our iconic dishes and it is an all-time favourite for many. We also recommend Agedashi Tofu, Pork Gyoza, Karaage Chicken, Salmon Tataki, Beef Tataki, Black Angus Yakiniku and our new entree dish, King Fish Carpaccio.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

We are proud to have a great team working here at Tanabe. It’s been almost a decade and a half since we opened and we wouldn't have come this far if we didn't have them alongside us through tough times. We also feel proud when customers choose to celebrate their special day at our restaurant, whether it’s their birthday or wedding anniversary.

Visit us:

Tanabe Japanese Restaurant 479 Main Street Service Road, Mordialloc

Wednesday to Friday, 12pm-2pm and 5.30pm-10pm and Saturday between 5.30pm-10pm

Instagram:  @tanabemordialloc

Facebook:  Tanabe Japanese Restaurant

Mordialloc Toy Library: Play, learn and share

For nearly 40 years, the Mordialloc Toy Library has enabled local families to enjoy the fun of play without the cost or clutter.

The not-for-profit toy library lets families borrow from more than 2,000 quality toys, games and puzzles designed to spark learning and imagination.

Located at 2B Lewis Street, Mordialloc, the Mordialloc Toy Library offers flexible memberships, party packs for hire and even click-and-collect lockers for busy parents. By borrowing instead of buying, families save money, reduce waste and open the door to endless play.

Find out more or become a member at kingstontoylibrary.com.au

Stay informed

• Sign up to email updates at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/subscribe
• Register for SMS updates by texting MRD to 0429 839 892
• Latest project news facebook.com/levelcrossings

Project timeline

Late 2022

• McDonald Street and Bear street, Mordialloc and Station Street, Aspendale level crossing removal projects announced

Early to mid 2023

• Early site investigations
• Community consultation

Mid to late 2023

• Early site investigations complete
• Early concept designs released with community consultation
• Planning consultation

Early 2024

• Contract awarded for works

Mid 2024

• Updated designs released
• Site establishment and early works begin

Late 2024

• Early works continue

Early 2025

• Final designs released

Mid 2025

• Major construction starts
• Bear Street, Mordialloc level crossing removed

2026

• McDonald Street, Mordialloc and Station Street, Aspendale level crossings removed
• Landscaping complete
• Project complete

Timeline subject to change