Work is ramping up in Melbourne’s south-east as we get rid of 3 level crossings, build new rail bridges and a modern Mordialloc Station.
In Aspendale, crews are currently carrying out earthworks, utility relocations, drainage, and piling between Attenborough Road and James Avenue.
From early July, a 2-way temporary road will be built on Station Street, between the level crossing and Attenborough Road to allow for sewer realignment, an essential step before major construction starts in the coming months.
Piling is now underway across the project, with 839 piles to be drilled from late June. Some of these piles will support 20 concrete piers in Mordialloc and 6 in Aspendale. Each pier requires 6 piles drilled up to approximately 30m deep.
To bore the piles, we’re using a 150-tonne Geotech E25 piling rig capable of drilling with 50 tonnes of torque per metre, this means for each metre the drill goes down it's using the same power it would take to turn 50 tonnes of weight. This twisting force is what helps it push deep into the ground without getting stuck. The 1200mm-wide auger (the spiral-shaped metal shaft with a blade that drills out the soil) ensures precision and stability.
Each pile is filled with about 36 cubic metres of high-strength concrete, delivered by up to 7 concrete trucks. That’s the weight equivalent of 14 African elephants. Once poured, a crane lowers a reinforced steel cage into the concrete to complete the pile.
On average, the team completes 2 to 3 piles per day, with a skilled 7 person crew working to keep things moving.
Major works will start in the coming months and the 3 level crossings will be gone, with the new station open in 2026. This will bring the Frankston Line one step closer to being level crossing free by 2029, improving safety and easing congestion on local roads.
Visit the Mordialloc image gallery to see more construction progress.