- Published:
- Friday 16 August 2024
The Allan Labor Government is getting on with removing four dangerous and congested level crossings and building a new Melton Station, with contracts for the project awarded and construction starting later this year.
In Melton, new rail bridges will take trains over Coburns and Exford roads and new road bridges will be built over Ferris Road, and Hopkins Road in Truganina – making Melton boom gate free in 2026.
One contract has been awarded to John Holland, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project to build the new Melton Station and remove the level crossings at Coburns and Exford roads.
A second contract has been awarded to an alliance comprising Fulton Hogan, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project will remove the level crossings at Ferris Road, Melton and Hopkins Road, Truganina.
The Melton level crossing removal works will also pave the way for the introduction of larger 9-car VLocity trains as part of the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade, increasing capacity for passengers by 50 per cent.
The new Melton Station will be accessible from both sides of the rail line with an expansive pedestrian walkway, pick-up and drop-off zones, relocated bus interchange and each platform accessible via lifts and stairs.
The elevated station will include an air-conditioned waiting room and staffed ticket office, along with lighting and security cameras throughout the surrounding area.
The new station will open, and all four level crossings will be gone for good in 2026 – two years ahead of schedule.
Removing these four dangerous and congested level crossings will make moving around the area easier for the more than 73,000 vehicles which use the roads every day, where the boom gates can be down for almost half an hour during the morning peak.
Quote attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
“We said we’d get it done and we’re not wasting a minute – getting rid of four dangerous and congested level crossings on the Melton line and improving capacity for people in this growing area.”
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“We thank everyone who had their say on this important project that will transform how we move around Melton – making our roads less congested and our train services more reliable.”
Quote attributable to Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
“Removing the level crossing at Hopkins Road, Truganina will improve safety, ease congestion and ensure locals never have to get stuck at these frustrating boom gates again.”