1 July 2016
Removing 50 dangerous and congested level crossings will transform the way people live, work and travel across metropolitan Melbourne and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.
At Burke Road, the project team has removed the level crossing by lowering the rail line under Burke Road and built the new Gardiner Station.
Welcome to the final edition!
We are happy to announce that the Burke Road Level Crossing Removal Project will be fully completed by August this year. This is the first level crossing to be removed as part of the State Government's commitment to removing 50 of Victoria's dangerous and congested level crossings.
Removing the level crossing at Burke Road and building the new Gardiner Station in 7 months is a significant achievement. This could not have happened without the ongoing patience and support of the local community.
Motorists and pedestrians are now experiencing significantly safer and faster travel and trams are using the newly built super stop. The new Gardiner Station includes lowered platforms accessed via lifts and stairs, increased lighting, and clear information displays providing both tram and train timetables. In addition, the commuter car park at Gardiner Station has been re-opened.
Before major work started in July 2015, the Burke Road level crossing was one of Victoria's worst, with boom gates down for more than 40 minutes during the two-hour morning peak.
Finishing works
Landscaping and minor works are continuing until August and this will include the removal of all the temporary fencing.
Gardiner Park
As you may have noticed, the site office at Gardiner Park has been demobilised. Now that the temporary site office has been removed, the park will now be handed back to the City of Stonnington so that reinstatement works can be undertaken. Any queries regarding reinstatement of the oval should be directed to the City of Stonington on 8290 1333.
Further traffic improvements
Recent changes to signal phasing and new parking restrictions along Burke Road have further improved traffic flow and reduced delays to trams during peak periods. In addition, VicRoads has installed new signals to control left hand turns on to the outbound entry ramp to the Monash Freeway, off Burke Road. This should assist with the queuing of right turning traffic on to the outbound Monash Freeway ramp.
A new home for the station signal box
We have received a lot of positive feedback from community members who are pleased that the original station signal box has been retained and will be put to good use.
The signal box has been moved to its permanent location on the Gardiner Station forecourt.
The restoration is almost complete and the signal box will soon be used as a bike cage. A number of components from inside the original signal box have been put aside for use in a public art piece, which will be installed in the station forecourt.
Thank you event
To show our appreciation for your patience and support during the delivery of the project, we held a Family Fun Day at the new Gardiner Station on Sunday 17 April. The local Rotary ran a BBQ and we had face-painting, live music, a coffee cart and show bags. Thanks to everyone who came along, it was a great way to celebrate our new station.
Thank you!
On behalf of the Burke Road Level Crossing Removal Project, we would like to thank you all for your ongoing patience, cooperation and support during construction.
Further enquiries
Any queries regarding the new Gardiner Station or the commuter car park can be directed to Metro Trains on 1800 800 007 from 6am to midnight daily, and all night on Fridays and Saturdays.
For any project related queries you can contact the project team on 1800 105 105. The project team will continue to deliver the crossing removals and rebuild 3 new stations at North, McKinnon and Centre Roads on the Frankston Line until late 2016.