The removal of the Skye/Overton Road level crossing in Frankston has been fast tracked and works will start this year, rather than next year, with completion by the end of 2018.
The crossing will be removed using a rail bridge over Skye/Overton Road. This was the only feasible option identified for the site which was presented to the community during consultation last year.
The design is the product of expert planning, engineering, and hydrological studies, and was made in consultation with the community throughout 2016.
The Skye/Overton Road level crossing is one of Victoria's worst, with boom gates down for more than a quarter of the morning peak and 3 collisions at the crossing in the past 10 years.
The design includes improvements to the Skye/Overton Road and Dandenong Road West junction, to improve traffic flow between the Frankston Freeway, central Frankston and the surrounding industrial and retail precincts.
Over the coming months the project team will be seeking community feedback on landscaping, lighting, parking and paths.
A preferred contractor will be announced by the middle of the year, along with the detailed final design of the project.