Drivers in Melbourne’s east are being urged to plan ahead when major works ramp up in the new year at the Union Road, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert level crossing removals.
Construction crews are preparing for the final push to remove the 2 deadly and congested level crossings for good by removing 80 MCG's worth of soil to dig a 1.3km rail trench, and build a new Union Station.
This will include major road disruptions beginning in January, before a major construction blitz gets underway from February 17 to late May to complete the big dig.
Plan ahead during major works
Mont Albert Road will close at the level crossing from 7pm Friday, 13 January to 6am Monday 23 January to allow crews to complete service relocation before the big dig in February.
Both Mont Albert and Union roads will then close at the level crossings from Friday 17 February to early May as crews work day and night to remove the 2 level crossings for good.
Drivers travelling through Surrey Hills and Mont Albert will be able to detour via Elgar, Whitehorse, Balwyn and Canterbury roads.
Access to shops either side of the 2 level crossings will be maintained during this time, with locals still able use local businesses.
Drivers are urged to take care when driving through construction zones and to follow detour signs and any instructions from traffic controllers. For more information on road closures visit the Vic Big Build disruptions map.
Changes for commuters
Trains travelling towards Lilydale and Belgrave will not stop at Surrey Hills Station from Monday 30 January, with a shuttle bus to operate between Chatham, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert stations, as crews prepare to demolish the station during works in February.
Buses will then replace all trains between Camberwell and Box Hill stations, and at times between Camberwell and Ringwood, from 8.30pm Friday 17 February to late May 2023.
Rail replacement bus stops will be located close to each station. For more information on replacement buses see our latest changes to the way you travel fact sheet.
Delivering a level crossing free Lilydale Line
Union and Mont Albert roads are 2 of Melbourne’s most dangerous and congested level crossings. Two locals died at Union Road in 2016, when their car was hit by a train and there has been 8 near misses in the past 10 years.
Boom gates are also down for 40 per cent of the morning peak, when 61 trains pass through the 2 level crossings.
When completed in May next year, the works will bring the Lilydale Line one step closer to being level crossing free in 2025.
When works to remove level crossings at Coolstore Road, Croydon and Dublin Road, Ringwood East are completed, it will pave the way for more services, more often on one of Melbourne’s busiest rail lines.
In total, 110 level crossings will be removed by 2030, with 67 already gone for good, with the Sunbury, Werribee, Frankston, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Lilydale lines all being made level crossing free, changing the way people live, work and travel in Melbourne.