Cheltenham and Mentone crossings to go in major blitz

Three level crossings in Cheltenham and Mentone will be removed in a nine-week construction blitz that will start in May under strict coronavirus safety protocols.

Around-the-clock works will allow crews to dig the new rail trenches, complete the roads that will cross over the rail trenches, and prepare two new stations for operation – removing three dangerous and congested level crossings for good.

Due to the strict health and safety measures currently in place, one week has been added to the rail line closure to allow the workforce of more than 1,700 to carry out the complex project. These include physical distancing, staggered shifts and the provision of personal protective equipment.

Buses will replace trains on the Frankston line between Moorabbin and Mordialloc, and on the Stony Point line, from the night of 23 May through to 27 July. There will be a mix of express and stopping-all-stations buses and rail replacement buses will undergo enhanced cleaning protocols.

During the works, there will be road closures at Charman and Park roads in Cheltenham and Balcombe Road in Mentone. These roads will be closed concurrently during the first few weeks of our construction blitz.

Balcombe Road, Mentone will be closed from 14 May until 23 June

Park Road, Cheltenham will be closed from 23 May until 8 June

Charman Road, Cheltenham will be closed from 23 May until 11 June

When trains resume in July, three level crossings will be gone for good at Park and Charman roads in Cheltenham, and Balcombe Road in Mentone.

Finishing works will then take place at both new stations, with Mentone Station opening first in early August and Cheltenham Station to open soon after in mid August.

Further along the line, work is already progressing to set up site offices and prepare the works area in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach. In Seaford, the new Kananook Train Storage Facility will become operational in early May. Meanwhile, work is continuing to complete the new Carrum Station and create new community open spaces.

Across Melbourne, 75 level crossings are being removed by 2025, with 35 already gone for good.