Contracts to remove four dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne’s west have been awarded and construction is due to begin later this year.
The projects in Melton will include new rail bridges to take trains over Coburns and Exford roads while new road bridges will be built over Ferris Road as well as Hopkins Road in Truganina.
“We said we’d get it done and we’re not wasting a minute – getting rid of dour dangerous and congested level crossings on the Melton line and improving capacity for people in this growing area,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said.
The first contract is for the construction of the new Melton Station and the removal of the Coburns and Exford roads level crossings, and it has been awarded to John Holland, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project.
The second contract has been awarded to an alliance between Fulton Hogan, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project and it will include the removal of level crossings at Ferris Road in Melton and Hopkins Road, Truganina.
Collectively, these works will pave the way for the introduction of larger 9-car VLocity trains as part of the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade – increasing the rail line’s passenger capacity by 50 per cent.
“We thank everyone who has 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,” Member for Melton Steve McGhie said.
Meanwhile, the new Melton Station is going to be accessible from both sides of the rail line. It will feature an expansive pedestrian walkway, pick-up and drop-off zones, relocated bus interchange, and platforms that are accessible by lifts and stairs.
The elevated station will also feature an air-conditioned waiting room, staffed ticket office, and lighting and security cameras throughout the surrounding area.
The new Melton Station will open in 2026, with all four level crossings gone for good – two years ahead of schedule.
Removing the four dangerous and congested level crossings will enable the more than 73,000 vehicles that use the roads each day to move around the area with more ease.
“Removing the level crossings at Hopkins Road, Truganina will improve safety, congestion and ensure locals never have to get stuck at these frustrating boom gates again,” Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch said.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build – Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & Infrastructure Australia