CONSTRUCTION on the Hurstbridge rail line duplication will start by the end of the year with engineers surveying the site in Heidelberg.

Geotechnical and soil works started today with the $140 million project expected to be finished by 2019.

Heidelberg Leader previously reported the duplication of the century-old track between Heidelberg and Rosanna train stations is part of the $3.2 billion Victorian public transport infrastructure State Budget projects.

RELATED: State budget promises millions for Hurstbridge rail line duplication

The vital work will include power and signalling upgrades and an additional tunnel which will mean trains travelling in opposite directions won’t be forced to wait while the other passes.

It will take engineers about four weeks to complete the site survey which includes drilling near Burgundy St and Studley Rd and Darebin and Hawdon streets intersections.

Investigations, planning and design work will also start for the duplication of the line between Greensborough and Eltham.

The State Government has also announced it will be remove bottleneck level crossings at Lower Plenty Rd, Rosanna and Grange Rd Alphington.

Ivanhoe State Labor MP Anthony Carbines said more information on the Lower Plenty Rd, Rosanna, grade separation would be announced later this year.

“In a couple of months we’ll outline our plan for level crossing removal process at Lower Plenty Rd, Rosanna,” Mr Carbines said.

Public Transport MP Jacinta Allan said Melbourne’s north was growing and the State Government was transforming the Hurstbridge line and extending the South Morang line to Mernda.

“We’re delivering trains more often so people spend less time on platforms and more time with family and friends,” Ms Allan said