Major construction to remove nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong will commence this week.
Piling works to lay foundations commences this week, along with work at Murrumbeena and Carnegie stations.
The first of 2 massive piling rigs has already been delivered to site at Murrumbeena Station, each weigh 140 tonnes.
Over the coming months, the piling rigs – with masts up to 30m tall – will install more than 1000 piles in the ground along the rail corridor in preparation for the arrival of the gantry cranes later this year.
Later this year the project's gantry cranes will take shape to install 2500 locally-manufactured segments by moving back and forth in the air. This will allow for less disruption to commuters with trains being able to keep running underneath.
Temporary closure of Murrumbeena and Carnegie stations
Murrumbeena and Carnegie stations will close temporarily from the end of August to ensure the next phase of work takes place safely, which includes service relocations and piling works. This approach will ensure the stations are closed for less time and will minimise disruptions for local commuters and residents in the long term.
The stations will close after the last train on Sunday 28 August and reopen in time for the first train on Monday 26 September, following the construction of temporary stations.
Commuters who use Murrumbeena and Carnegie stations will be able to access train replacement bus services from a number of stops during the station closures. This will allow the stations to remain open while construction is underway. The new stations are due to be completed in 2018.
Importantly, characteristic parts of the buildings will now be removed and retained, and incorporated into the designs of the new station precincts. Materials that are in good condition, including the entrances, elements from the ticketing offices, and the steel trusses and roofs on the platforms, will be reused in the rail corridor or new precinct.
The Community Open Space Expert Panel — overseeing plans for Melbourne's newest parkland along the Caulfield to Dandenong rail corridor — has been working with the project team to find ways to incorporate elements of the existing stations into the final design.
The panel has been looking in detail at the open space created around the new stations and has already made a number of suggestions, including how the open space and station precincts can be designed to reflect the village feel of the existing precincts at Carnegie and Murrumbeena.
Nearby businesses will remain open during the station closures and the community is encouraged to continue shopping locally to support local businesses. A second closure of Carnegie Station will be required from early November to complete piling and foundation works.