Works have commenced at the Camms Road level crossing in Cranbourne as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Updated designs have been released and early works are now underway to build a new road bridge over the rail line at Camms Road, easing congestion and improving safety for 12,000 drivers who pass through it each day.
More than 137 trains pass through the level crossing on Camms Road each day.
The new designs incorporate extensive community feedback and feature improved walking and cycling connections, additional landscaping as well as enhanced lighting along the shared use path and within the upgraded Cranbourne station car park.
Local residents will also be able to walk and cycle to the station precinct and beyond, with a link to the new four-kilometre bike and walking path being constructed as part of the Cranbourne Line Upgrade.
The new path will create a direct route between Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations.
“Not only are we removing another dangerous and congested level crossing, we’re also improving pedestrian and cycling connections to ensure whether you are travelling by foot, bike, car or train, your journey is safer and easier,” Minister for Transport infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
Additional open space areas around the new bridge will include seating and landscaping, and the project will plant around 300 new trees and shrubs.
Site establishment works at Fairfield Street have started and will continue in the coming months. The works include fencing-off work areas to keep the workforce and the public safe and relocating utility services underground.
Major construction will begin mid-year with the project on track for completion in 2024, one year ahead of schedule.
Eight kilometres of duplicated track between Cranbourne and Dandenong and a new Merinda Park Station open to passengers are part of already completed work on the Cranbourne line.
The second track between Cranbourne and Dandenong was completed in February 2022, close to a year ahead of schedule, allowing trains to run every 10 minutes on average in the morning peak for passengers travelling from Cranbourne, Lynbrook and Merinda Park stations.
The State Government is delivering 400 new and upgraded car spaces at Cranbourne Station as part of the Car Parks for Commuters program and the Growth Area Incentive Contribution, featuring improved CCTV and lighting as well as more bicycle parking facilities.
Meanwhile the new elevated train station at Hallam has increased its accessibility following the opening of the eastern entrance and forecourt.
This allows passengers to access the station using lifts and stairs without needing to cross Hallam Road.
The eastern entrance opened on Saturday 21 May, three weeks after the station officially started taking passengers on the new platforms on Monday 2 May.
Finishing works will continue over the coming months, including a new walking and cycling path that will connect Glencairn Avenue to the station’s eastern entrance, the Level Crossing Removal Project (LRXP) said.
In further LXRP news, Greens Road in Dandenong South will be closed to drivers and pedestrians between Kitchen Road and the South Gippsland Highway from 7am Friday 3 June to 5am Monday 13 June.
Works to take place during that time include resurfacing the road, removing old tracks, and installing new drainage and permanent lighting.
Access to Greens Road businesses located within the closure area will be maintained by entering via Frankston-Dandenong Road, LXRP said.
