Construction to remove the Manchester Road, Mooroolbark level crossing

We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Coolstore Road, Croydon, which will pave the way for a new Croydon transport hub, with better road connections, a unified shopping precinct and a new bus interchange.

We'll also build a new, premium Croydon Station, with improved safety, two entrances and modern facilities for passengers.

Early works for the project will start in 2023 and the project will be complete in 2025.

A new rail bridge over Coolstore Road will connect Croydon's town centre, improve safety for pedestrians and drivers and help create a level crossing-free Lilydale line in 2025.

This factsheet provides more information about what to expect when major construction begins.

Why this level crossing needs to go

• More than 10,000 vehicles pass through over this road each day.
• More than 100 trains pass through the level crossing every week day.
• Removing this level crossing will connect the Croydon precinct, which is currently divided by the rail line.
• With the boom gates gone, we can create safer and more efficient road connections for Croydon.

What to expect during construction

Construction vibration

To complete these works, over several months we'll use large machinery to install piles (large concrete columns) to form the foundations of the new rail bridge and build retaining walls.

While you may feel some vibration from our works, all construction activities will be carefully planned and monitored throughout the project.

Noise vibration and dust monitoring

During construction, we will actively monitor noise and vibration levels to make sure they are within Environment Protection Authority guidelines.

Learn more about these guidelines.

To minimise impacts to the community we will install dust, noise and vibration monitors around the work site to measure air quality, sound and vibration at regular intervals. This will help ensure we have the right controls in place throughout our works.

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

Piling rig used to dig foundations at Manchester Road, Mooroolbark

How we reduce noise and vibration

To minimise noise impacts for the community, there are a range of measures in place, including:

• use quieter reversing alarms on our vehicles and machines
• keep our machines in good working order
• programming noisy works to occur during the day
• using localised, noise dampening measures
• work within approved construction times, between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday, and 7am and 2pm on Saturdays, whenever possible

How we reduce dust

We use a range of method to minimise dust and mud, and keep the air clean in your community. These include:

• staging work to minimise the areas exposed to wind
• spraying exposed areas with water, especially on hot and windy days
• covering truck loads and stockpiles
• reducing the speed of construction vehicles
• monitoring air quality to ensure all construction activities comply with Victorian guidelines.

Temporary lighting during night works

At times, we'll need to light up an area for the safety of the community and our workers.

To minimise the potential for any temporary spill, we keep the amount of light to the minimum necessary for safe access or construction. We also position light towers away from homes, businesses and public buildings.

Truck movements

When major works get underway in 2023, there will be an increase in heavy vehicle movements, with more trucks and workers in the local area.

To reduce any impacts, we aim to move trucks particularly those carrying excavated material, away from construction sites and onto the arterial road network.

Traffic

There may be times when we need to reduce speed limits or close lanes on roads to maintain the safety of our work crews and the community. You will see traffic controllers around the area to help manage any changes to local roads.

Other projects in your area

As part of the Ringwood Level Crossing Removal Project, the Dublin Road, Ringwood East and Bedford Road, Ringwood level crossings will also be removed. We will schedule construction works on each project to coordinate impacts to road users and pedestrians as much as possible.

Heavy machinery to remove track at Manchester Road, Mooroolbark

Noise, vibration and dust are likely to be from:

• rock breaking
• piling works
• soil compaction
• excavation works
• heavy machinery, generators and power tools

Project timeline

2022

• Concept project designs released
• Community engagement begins

2023

• Updated designs released
• Early works begin
• Major construction begins

2025

• Level crossing gone for good
• New Croydon Station opens