- Published:
- Thursday 4 July 2019
Work is underway on the ramp that will carry trains from the Sunbury line into the Metro Tunnel, as part of a massive winter work blitz on Melbourne’s rail network.
Acting Premier Lisa Neville joined Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne in Kensington today, where workers have begun building the ‘decline structure’ that will eventually connect the rail network to the tunnel entrance.
It’s an important milestone for the Andrews Labor Government project, which will slash travel times for passengers and deliver a world class public transport system for Victorians.
To deliver these and other power, communication and signalling upgrades for the Metro Tunnel, as well as major work to remove level crossings on the Frankston and Mernda lines, there will be rail disruptions over winter.
From 6 to 14 July, buses will replace trains between Caulfield and Flinders Street on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Frankston lines (extending to Westall and Moorabbin on 13 and 14 July). The entire Sandringham line will also be replaced by buses on weekends during this time.
Coaches will replace Traralgon and Bairnsdale train services for the entire journey during the works. Gippsland passengers, who have been most impacted by the upgrades, will again receive free travel.
Works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Station Street in Carrum are progressing, with Carrum station closing from tomorrow (Saturday 6 July) until early 2020, paving the way for the new station.
A temporary track is being built in Carrum so trains can continue to run while works are carried out. Buses will replace trains between Mordialloc and Frankston from 20 to 28 July while this is built.
On the Mernda line, trains run will run express through Reservoir from 20 July to 4 August, while the suburb’s new elevated station is built. Buses will also replace trains on some weekends and evenings in July and August.
There will also be upgrade works to tram tracks and overhead wiring along St Kilda Road and Fitzroy Street from 19 to 28 July. The intersection will close over the weekend of 20-21 July with detours and some road closures until Sunday 28 July. During the works, buses will replace trams in affected areas along routes 3, 16 and 67.
Victorians are urged to allow extra travel time, and plan ahead by visiting ptv.vic.gov.au or vicroads.vic.gov.au. For more information about the Metro Tunnel and other major projects across Victoria, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Lisa Neville
“We’re building the entrance to the Metro Tunnel, which will carry more trains, more often into the heart of the city and across the suburbs – slashing travel times and carrying more passengers.”
“It’s part of a massive winter construction blitz that will also see work to remove dangerous level crossings on the Frankston and Mernda lines ramp up.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
“I thank passengers for their patience while we deliver these vital works and encourage them to plan ahead and allow extra time to get where they’re going.”