Work is well underway to remove the dangerous level crossing at Abbotts Road and we will be temporarily closing the road overnight in May and June to install the first bridge beams. There will be further road closures on overnight in June to complete the works.
What we are doing
The project team will be lifting ‘U-trough’ bridge beams into position over Abbotts Road using a gantry crane, pouring concrete to join the beams and removing the timber forms that have been set up to temporarily support the concrete while it cures.
What to expect
There will be detour signage at either end of Abbotts Road, at both the intersection with South Gippsland Highway and with Frankston-Dandenong Road.
Traffic management will be in place and will maintain access to local businesses during the road closures. We will notify surrounding businesses if there are changes to the works.
Project progress
2 successful weekend rail closures enabled the completion of critical works to prepare for the rail bridge installation – including construction of an access track along the rail corridor and relocation of overhead powerlines to underground.
Piling works are almost complete – the precast piles are driven into the ground and form the foundations of the bridge piers.
The first bridge pier was installed 7 May 2018 and concrete retaining walls are now being built at the bridge abutments and approaches to the new structure.
Upcoming works
Bridge pier construction will progress from the southern end of site to the north, followed closely by the new bridge spans. Once the rail bridge has been built over Abbotts Road, the installation of new rail tracks and signals will take place.
The second half of 2018 will see a major rail closure to remove the level crossing, and then trains will be up and running on the new rail bridge.
As construction activities progress over the coming months, we’ll continue to work closely with businesses and the community to minimise disruptions.
