3 sets of boom gates – at Park Road and Charman Road in Cheltenham and Balcombe Road in Mentone – will be gone for good by late 2020.
Each day, 38,000 vehicles use these crossings – getting rid of them will make it easier and safer to get around the local area.
Balcombe Road, Mentone
Initial works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Balcombe Road, Mentone are underway, with major works to begin mid 2019.
In mid 2020, a 2-month construction blitz will dig trenches, build the new rail line and remove all 3 crossings, minimising disruption for commuters.
The suburbs are going to have a busy year with 2 new stations being built as part of the project. The new stations will include open spaces, landscaping and direct connections across the rail lines through to shopping precincts.
The much-loved Mentone Station gardens will be upgraded, with the 5 heritage-listed trees protected in their current spots during construction.
The heritage station buildings will be refurbished while we work on the new Mentone Station. The new station will be 150m south, meaning the platforms will be closer to ground level and the rail trench shorter.
Charman and Park roads, Cheltenham
At Cheltenham the new station will have a plaza connecting Cheltenham Park with the shopping area. The existing palm trees will be returned to the station precinct when construction is complete.
The third rail line, currently a dead-end, into Cheltenham Station will be connected. This will allow for more trains, more often on the Frankston Line once the Metro Tunnel is open.
Connecting communities
The project will include over 3km of walking and cycling paths connecting the stations.
It will also include landscaping, and improved lighting and accessibility, new community spaces, car parking, and potential residential and retail development.
