Crews are preparing for a construction blitz across Ringwood and Croydon to build 2 new stations and remove 3 dangerous and congested level crossings, bringing the Lilydale Line one step closer to being level-crossing free by 2025.
Major works are set to begin next month at Coolstore Road, Croydon; Bedford Road, Ringwood, and Dublin Road, Ringwood East.
Construction crews will work on critical signaling, power and communications lines in the rail corridor to prepare for work to begin on the new Croydon rail bridge and rail trenches at both Ringwood sites.
Piling rigs will also be onsite during this time to install concrete foundations underground ahead of the next stage of construction.
To allow this work to safely take place, buses will replace trains between Ringwood and Lilydale stations from 8.30pm Tuesday 6 June to 8.30pm Friday 9 June, and between Blackburn, Lilydale and Belgrave stations from 8.30pm Friday 9 June to last service Sunday 11 June.
The Dublin Road level crossing will be removed via a rail trench that will link to the new Ringwood East Station, which will feature a main concourse and second entry, platforms accessible by lifts and stairs, and upgraded car parks with about 460 parking spaces.
At Bedford Road, the rail line will be lowered into a trench and a new walking and cycling path will be built to connect the 19.2km Heathmont Rail Trail to Bedford Park, alongside the Belgrave rail line.
More than 23,000 vehicles drive through Ringwood’s dangerous and congested level crossings each day, with the boom gates staying down for up to 23 minutes during the morning peak.
Croydon’s state-of-the-art transport hub will see new road connections and a new rail bridge replace the level crossing and roundabout at Coolstore Road, connecting Croydon’s retail precincts and creating more options to cross the rail line for all transport users.
The new, elevated Croydon Station will have 2 entrances and forecourts, and provide access to a new, streamlined bus interchange, making it easier and safer for commuters to connect between bus and train services.
The Lilydale Line will be level crossing free in 2025, while the Belgrave Line will be level crossing free between Ferntree Gully and the city.
In total, 110 level crossings are being removed from Melbourne, with 68 already gone for good, boosting safety and easing congestion.
Visit the disruptions page to plan your journey and for more information on disruptions.