The Cranbourne Line Upgrade continues to lead the way, recognised by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) with a “Leading” As-Built IS rating, the highest possible achievement in the IS scheme.
The sustainability rating measured several innovations trialled as part of the line upgrade, including solar-powered onsite offices and hybrid generators, which resulted in significant carbon emission reductions during the project’s construction phase.
The popular new 6km walking and cycling path between Watergum Avenue and Lynbrook Station was another successful emission-busting innovation, constructed with E-mesh concrete reinforcement made from recycled plastic fibres, cutting embodied carbon emissions by 173 tonnes – equivalent to taking 40 cars off the road for a year.
Merinda Park Station, built as part of the Cranbourne Line upgrade, also received a perfect Green Star self-assessment rating, with its extensive rooftop solar system generating almost 40% of the station precinct’s energy needs.
Sustainable construction technologies are being increasingly implemented across other level crossing removal projects, with several other projects also recognised by the ISC, including Union and Mont Albert roads, South Gippsland Highway, Clyde Road, Fitzgerald and Robinson roads, the Hurstbridge Line upgrade, and the Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach crossing removals.
A total of 70 level crossings have been removed so far, with 110 dangerous and congested level crossings to be removed by 2030.