Piling works are kicking off in Melbourne’s south-east, marking the start of major works to remove the level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield.
The level crossing is being removed by building a new road bridge, which will take vehicles over the rail line, improving safety and congestion for vehicles that use it every day.
Earlier this year, the site was established as crews carried out works to prepare for major construction including moving utilities on local roads, installing fencing and building temporary pavements for heavy machinery.
In October, a large piling rig was delivered to site and will now begin digging the first of 193 piles to form the foundations of the new road bridge.
Throughout November and December, piling works will start as crews work 24/7 on either side of the rail corridor to begin building the new road bridge. For more information on works in the area read our latest works notice.
With major works now underway to build the new road bridge, we’ll have the level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield removed sooner, creating improved connections to the Beaconsfield Station precinct, and allowing possible future transport upgrades.
The construction of the new bridge requires us to acquire and undertake works within one property on Beaconsfield Avenue, known locally as the station master's house.
In good news for the community, most of the property and key historical elements will be retained, with the new bridge impacting only the extension at the rear of the house. The nearby Bunya Bunya Pine tree will also be retained.
By removing all 7 level crossings in the Cardinia Shire Council, we’re making journeys safer for all road users in the south-east and eliminating 3.4 hours of boom gate down time in the morning peak.
Removing every level crossing in Melbourne's south-east
The Station Street level crossing will be gone for good in 2025, when the Pakenham Line will become level crossing free, boosting safety and easing congestion in Melbourne’s booming south-eastern suburbs.
The project will help create capacity for an additional 121,000 peak hour commuters on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.
The Metro Tunnel will transform the way people work, live and travel in Melbourne’s south-east by providing access to five new underground stations in Melbourne and faster, more reliable train journeys.
Works are underway on 8 level crossings on the Pakenham Line, with 14 already gone for good. This includes Brunt Road, Officer, which will be completed ahead of schedule in 2024.
