This Allan Labor Government's Big Build is heating up this winter with a firm focus on delivery - including opening brand new stations, removing dangerous level crossings and progressing vital upgrades to keep Victorians moving.
Six new stations are set to open and another seven boom gates will be removed along the Frankston, Lilydale, Mernda, Pakenham lines - with the Lilydale Line to become the first level crossing free rail line in early July. Buses will replace trains at times on the Belgrave, Lilydale, Pakenham, and Frankston lines while this work is delivered.
With major construction recently completed at Arden and Parkville stations to prepare for the Metro Tunnel opening a year ahead of schedule in 2025, work is forging ahead on State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac stations deep underground.
From Friday, 21 June for approximately three weeks, the project will close Flinders Street between Swanston and Elizabeth streets to install a critical stormwater drain - with the eastbound lane of Flinders Street to remain closed until late 2024, along with the La Trobe Street eastbound lane between Swanston and Elizabeth streets.
Tunnelling on the North East Link will begin this winter to build the 6.5-kilometre tunnels that will take 15,000 trucks off local roads and slash travel times, with two 4000-tonne TBMs in the final stages of assembly.
On the Suburban Rail Loop, crews are working at all six station sites between Cheltenham and Box Hill - and there will be some lane and road closures across the Burwood Highway, Clayton Road and Nepean Highway.
In an Australian first, a 2.5 kilometre cycling super-highway is being built as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project above Footscray Road to give cyclists a safer and more direct express route to the CBD.
There will be lane closures on Footscray Road in both directions between Shepherd Bridge and Waterfront Way until late August, along with a continuous citybound closure from Dock Link Road to Appleton Dock Road for two weeks from late August.
On our roads, works are continuing across 14 projects including the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade, Pakenham Roads Upgrade and Bridge Inn Road Upgrade - which will reduce congestion and make journeys safer.
Tram tracks, poles and powerlines will be replaced along Maribyrnong Road during the school holidays - with Maribyrnong Road to be closed in both directions across the Maribyrnong River Bridge from the evening of Friday, 28 June until Monday, 15 July.
In Geelong, two stations will be upgraded, two level crossings will be removed and eight kilometres of track is set to duplicated to enable more reliable services - coaches will replace trains on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines from Saturday 15 June until Sunday 25 August.
To find out more and to check before you travel, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"These projects are one step closer to becoming a reality for millions of Victorians who will benefit from faster travel times, safer journeys, fewer trucks on our roads and more trains across our city."
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"The upcoming works will continue to deliver transport benefits to our communities both now, and for future generations."
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"Our extensive road upgrade program will transform the way people travel across the state - while also delivering faster and safer journeys."
