We’re removing the level crossings at McDonald Street in Mordialloc and Station Street in Aspendale by building new rail bridges.

We’re also removing and closing the Bear Street level crossing in Mordialloc and building a new Mordialloc Station, creating a vibrant new station precinct with safe access for pedestrians and cyclists by 2026.

Construction impacts

Our major infrastructure works can cause noise, vibration, light spill and create dust and dirt. This fact sheet explains the ways in which our environmental team work to mitigate these effects.

Noise and vibration

As with any major works project, construction impacts are expected and can vary depending on the nature of the works.

Sources of construction impacts

• excavation and rock and concrete breaking causing some noise, dust and vibration
• piling and soil compaction causing some noise, dust and vibration
• heavy machinery, generators and power tools causing some noise
• large trucks, including at night, causing some noise and light spill
• some light spill from the construction sites at night

Managing noise and vibration impacts

During construction we will need to install piles in the ground to form a stable foundation to build the new bridge and retaining walls on. This involves drilling into the ground and filling large holes with concrete. This activity can cause noise and ground vibration.

The intensity of the vibrations depends on the ground conditions and distance from the works.

While ground vibrations may be felt, construction activities have been planned to avoid damage to property.

Before major works begin, an independent third party inspects properties to assess their current condition. This is so, in the unlikely event that the project causes property damage, we can accurately assess the damage and make repairs. These inspections are voluntary and of no cost to the property owner.

Before starting construction, we also undertake noise monitoring at different locations around the project area.

We will monitor sound levels before and during works so that we can assess the impact to residents and implement further mitigation measures if necessary.

How we reduce noise and vibration

We will:

• schedule works during daytime as much as possible, generally from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm on Saturdays. In some cases night works will be necessary
• use quieter reversing safety alarms on our vehicles and machines
• offer respite and relocation to local residents during noisy night works where appropriate
• maintain a buffer zone between work areas and homes
• use temporary noise mounds, barriers and enclosures at the site of noisy works
• keep our machinery in good working order.

How we minimise dust and dirt

We will:

• use water trucks to regularly wet down the site
• minimise the amount of soil exposed to wind
• cover truck loads and stockpiles
• reduce the speed of construction vehicles
• use steel grids at site exit points to reduce mud from tyres
• regularly clean the roads around the site with street-sweepers.

How we monitor dust

We install dust monitors around the work site to measure air quality and monitor weather conditions to ensure we have adequate dust controls in place throughout our works, in line with Environment Protection Authority requirements.