The Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway level crossings are being removed and replaced with elevated rail as part of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project. Removing these level crossings will improve safety and traffic flow, allow more trains to run, and create new cycling and walking connections.

As part of planning the project, a robust options assessment was undertaken to determine the most feasible design solution for each of the level crossing locations.

Both sites are complex with many environmental, community and technical considerations to be understood and balanced. An elevated rail bridge has been identified as the most feasible design solution at both locations to reduce disruption to road and rail users during construction, minimise flooding risks and create opportunities for landscaping and green open space. Below is an overview of the key considerations used to determine the design solution.

Environmental and location considerations

Environmental and topographical factors such as underground water levels, ground conditions and nearby sensitive waterways were considered. Protecting nearby waterways from contamination and reducing flooding events is critical to a sustainable design solution.

There is an existing floodplain within the project area at both Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway, and a high-water table at Fyans Street. Elevating the rail line reduces the risk of future flood events impacting train services at both locations.

An elevated rail bridge at Fyans Street also avoids interrupting the flow of storm water as well as reduces the risk of contamination to the Barwon River or Waurn Ponds Creek catchments.

Construction considerations

The amount of disruption during construction will vary depending on the design option selected and proposed designs aim to minimise these impacts as much as possible.

A trench solution involves the excavation and removal of a significant amount of soil which would increase the number of trucks and equipment required during construction. An elevated rail option is quicker to build, and at Fyans Street will halve the rail line closure time needed for construction resulting in less disruptions to passengers and residents.

Improving traffic network safety and efficiency

We assess the impact each design option may have on existing roads, and walking and cycling paths. The selected designs improve traffic flow around the local area and minimise disruptions to local traffic during construction.

A trench option would increase impacts to the local road network during construction as Surf Coast Highway and Fyans Street would be closed for almost all of the construction period. An elevated rail design ensures access can be maintained for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, resulting in less disruption during construction.

Future proofing design

Future proofing means considering future transport network requirements and allowing for future projects which will be built after the project is completed.

An elevated rail design allows for greater integration with future projects including the Bellarine Link ring road extension.

Design standard compliance

There are a number of principles and design requirements which the project must adhere to. These include national and state level standards from VicRoads Department of Transport, V/Line and local council.

An elevated rail design meets all of the design standards the project must adhere to.

Local amenity improvements

The potential to create new green open space and enhance the surrounding landscape is a key consideration.

Elevated rail bridges create an opportunity for tree planting, landscaping and urban design treatments to enhance the local area.

At Surf Coast Highway the elevated rail bridge will shift the rail line up to 90 metres away from local residents, creating the opportunity for new green open space and new cycling and pedestrian paths.