Getting ready for major construction

The Victorian Government is removing 17 dangerous level crossings, including the one at Clyde Road, Berwick as part of a $16 billion investment to upgrade the Pakenham line that will improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains to run more often.

Works are underway to remove the Clyde Road level crossing and build a road underpass, improving safety and traffic flow, while creating better local connections. The Berwick Station bus interchange will also be upgraded.

Vegetation and green spaces are important to local communities and support local biodiversity. Minimising the impact of vegetation removal is considered during project design and construction.

To build the new road underpass, install new infrastructure and relocate existing services, tree and vegetation removal is required.

To prepare the area for major construction, tree and vegetation removal will take place from mid to late 2020.

Careful planning is undertaken by environmental and sustainability specialists to minimise tree and vegetation removal and reduce impacts to local flora and fauna.

Managing vegetation removal

Independent arborists have conducted a comprehensive assessment of trees and vegetation in the area.

This assessment helped us identify which trees pose a hazard to road and rail operations and require removal.

Understanding root systems and tree health is also crucial to identifying where tree removal can be avoided.

Protecting existing vegetation

No go zones will be established to protect vegetation, habitat zones, heritage sites and waterways from the impacts of construction.

A tree protection zone will be established around a heritage listed rusty gum on Reserve Street.

Wildlife

We work with qualified ecologists and wildlife handlers who inspect trees flagged for removal and make sure wildlife is safely rehomed.

Native vegetation

Victoria has a state-wide offsets program aimed at maintaining overall biodiversity across the state. The Clyde Road Level Crossing Removal Project is contributing to this scheme in Melbourne’s south east.

We’re also working closely with the City of Casey on opportunities to enhance native vegetation in the local area.

More information about offsets can be found on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website.

• structural strength, including the size and location of tree roots
• health, life expectancy and significance to the area
• how close the tree is to construction works and service.

What happens with removed trees and vegetation

Large logs and mulch will be used for landscaping and donated to local community groups, council and local schools.

Replanting and landscaping

Tree planting and landscaping will take place once major works are completed in 2022.

More information including landscaping plans and what’s being planted in your neighbourhood will be shared with the community as the project progresses.

More than 20,000 trees, plants and shrubs will be planted in the project area when works are complete.