The removal of the dangerous and congested level crossing at Toorak Road, Kooyong, is a step closer, with the contract for the works now signed.
The level crossing is closed for 35% of the morning peak creating a major bottleneck. Its removal will help to improve safety and reduce congestion for thousands of people travelling to the Monash Freeway and CityLink via Toorak Road, Glenferrie Road and Tooronga Road.
An Alliance comprising of Laing O’Rourke, Jacobs and Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) has been awarded a $89 million contract to deliver the rail bridge removal announced by the Victorian Government in February.
These companies have successfully removed level crossings at Grange Road in Alphington and Lower Plenty Road in Rosanna, duplicating the Hurstbridge Line between Rosanna and Heidelberg and building the new Rosanna Station.
Early works and site set-up will commence in coming weeks, with the level crossing removal to be completed by 2021. The rail bridge solution does not preclude any design solutions should the adjacent level crossings be removed in the future.
During 2 rounds of community engagement this year, significant feedback was received about improving connections across Toorak Road for road users, pedestrians and cyclists using this area.
In response, a new signalised pedestrian and cyclist crossing next to a realigned Talbot Crescent/Toorak Road intersection will be delivered as part of the project, with the separated pedestrian and cyclist crossing allowing cyclists to cross without dismounting.
The lights will also synchronise with the intersection lights on the Monash Freeway to allow for traffic flow and assist those turning onto Toorak Road from side streets.