The Allan Labor Government has revealed the final designs of the new road bridge that will replace the dangerous boom gates at the Station Street level crossing in Beaconsfield next year.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today announced works are ramping up to take cars over the Pakenham Line, which will improve safety and provide better access for the local community.
The designs maintain the village atmosphere of Beaconsfield and reflect the community's desire for easy access around the new road bridge for pedestrians and vehicles, while blending in with the natural surroundings of the suburb.
Construction crews will work around the clock south of rail line until late February to prepare for major piling works, ahead of the bridge foundations being completed later this year.
Kenilworth Avenue will be temporarily closed to vehicles in both directions from 4 February to 24 February, with detours in place while piling works are carried out.
Further up the line, work continues to remove the level crossing at Brunt Road, with the new road bridge set to open in 2024 - a year ahead of schedule.
These works, along with another three level crossings being removed at Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road, will make the Pakenham Line boom gate free - boosting safety and easing congestion in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.
Work is progressing well at the new premium Pakenham Station - which is set to offer improved accessibility facilities to passengers. The metropolitan rail line is also being extended 2km as teams work to build the new East Pakenham Station.
Other improvements for passengers on the line will include the Metro Tunnel, which will create a new continuous rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne and Pakenham - slashing travel times and adding 45 per cent more peak capacity. With testing now underway, the Metro Tunnel will open in 2025, a year ahead of schedule.
To find out more about traffic changes and to plan your journey visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"The final designs are in and major works are in full swing to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield, making local roads safer and easing traffic for road users."
"When the crossing is removed it will bring the Pakenham Line one step closer to being boom gate-free, transforming the way people work, live and travel in Melbourne's south-east."
As stated by Member for South-East Metropolitan Michael Galea
"The design for the new road bridge keeps the village feel of Beaconsfield and will blend in with the natural surroundings of the suburb."
