- Published:
- Monday 26 March 2018
Construction has started on a new 80 metre road bridge across the Patterson River connecting Bonbeach and Carrum via Station Street for the first time.
This marks the start of a massive $588 million project that includes four level crossing removals, the revitalisation of Carrum village, including a new beach promenade.
Demolition of the old pedestrian bridge has begun and piling for the new road bridge foundations will start next month.
During the works, resident and fishing access will be maintained along the Patterson River paths up to the construction site at Launching Way, and detours along the Nepean Highway will ensure safe walking and cycling in the area.
With Easter approaching, the Patterson River will remain open, with temporary river traffic management in place during key construction periods to ensure boat users can continue to access the river.
The local community has strongly advocated for the new bridge for decades, which will be open by the end of 2018.
The bridge will provide safer and more direct routes for local traffic, and include new walking and cycling paths for safer access to the new Carrum Station, the beach, Patterson River and surrounding suburbs.
Further along the Frankston line, preparation is underway for the Seaford Road level crossing removal ahead of major construction in April.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $2 billion along the Frankston line to remove 10 more level crossings, rebuild six train stations, and increase train stabling capacity from 6 to 24 trains.
The only threat to running more trains more often on the Frankston line, is from the Victorian Liberals who are opposed to this project.
For more information visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re getting things done on the Frankston line with three level crossings gone for good and 10 more to go.”
“Our $2 billion investment will also deliver six new train stations and vital upgrades to power and signalling to run more trains more often on the Frankston line.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“The local community advocated for the new road bridge and we’re building it. Construction has started and cars will travel on the new road bridge by the end of the year.”
“I thank people for their patience and support while we build the new road bridge. We will continue to work closely with residents, traders and boat users to minimise disruption in the local area as much as possible.”