We're starting works to remove the level crossing at Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing.

Removing this dangerous level crossing will mean safer, more reliable journey times with no more queuing at the boom gates.

The crossing will be removed by building a new road bridge over the existing rail line east of the existing crossing, creating a new connection between Old Geelong Road and Princes Highway.

During construction of the new road bridge, we will minimise dust and reduce noise and vibration as much as possible.

What causes noise and vibration

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

The main sources of noise and vibration are:

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

Managing noise and vibration impacts

During construction we will need to install piles to form the foundations of the new road bridge and to create retaining walls in areas that we excavate. These works involve drilling into the ground and filling large holes with concrete, which 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 starting construction, we will undertake noise monitoring at different locations in the project area around the Old Geelong Road level crossing.

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
• use quieter reversing alarms on our vehicles and machines
• offer respite and relocation to local residents during noisy works
• 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 being dragged onto the roads
• clean the roads around the site with street-sweepers.

How we monitor dust

We will install dust monitors around the work site to measure air quality and weather conditions at regular intervals. This will help ensure we have adequate dust controls in place throughout our works.

More information

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If you have any issues with noise, dust or vibration during construction, or any other concerns or questions, call us on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.