Image courtesy of Level Crossing Removal Authority
The Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal Project is overseeing the largest rail infrastructure project in the state’s history. It will see the removal of 85 of Melbourne's most dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025. The project will also see the upgrading or building of more than 27 train stations, laying many kilometres of new track, and making associated rail improvements. Removing the level crossings will reduce risk for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists as well as creating new community spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Southern Program Alliance (SPA) is removing level crossings on the Frankston line. Together with our Alliance partners, Lendlease, Acciona/Coleman Rail, Metro Trains Melbourne and the Level Crossing Removal Project, WSP is delivering the Initial Works Package and Additional Works Packages 1-4.
The scope for the Initial Works Package:
- Removed four level crossings at Mascot Avenue, Bonbeach, Station Street and Eel Race Road, Carrum, and Seaford Road, Seaford
- Extended McLeod Road, Carrum, to the Nepean Highway
- Built a new road bridge across Patterson River in Carrum connecting Station Street
- Removed the Carrum train storage facility to a purpose-built facility in Kananook
- Built a new 900m rail bridge and elevated Carrum Station
- Revitalised Seaford including upgrading RF Miles reserve and constructed a new cycling and walking path from Eel Race Road to Frankston (approx. 5.5km)
- Revitalised Carrum’s local community and business activity centre through improved amenities, creation of open spaces and beautification works.
In 2018 the project opened the Karrum Karrum road bridge followed by a new station at Carrum in 2020. Indigenous design was incorporated into the project including the design of an urban marker and yarning circle at Carrum and artwork at the Eel Race Road underpass and under the rail bridge at Seaford Road.
The scope for the Additional Works Package 1:
- Removed three level crossings at Charman and Park roads in Cheltenham and Balcombe Road, Mentone by lowering the rail line into two trenches and building new road bridge connections
- Building new, modern Cheltenham and Mentone stations.
- Retained and restored the heritage-listed Mentone Station buildings and protected five heritage-listed trees in the Mentone Station gardens during major construction to create a new Mentone Station Heritage Deck and Gardens precinct
- Creating more than three kilometres of walking and cycling paths connecting the stations
- Constructed a new multilevel commuter and short-term carpark in Cheltenham
By July 2020, Park Road, Charman Road and Balcombe Road were boom gate-free, improving vehicle and pedestrian safety. The new Mentone Station opened ahead of schedule on 20 July followed by Cheltenham on 16 August.
The scope for the Additional Works Package 2:
- Removing five level crossings and building new stations at Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach
- Upgrading the surrounding station precincts including landscaping, new open spaces and parking, a shared-use path as part of more than 11kms of new paths from Edithvale to Frankston and a pedestrian bridge at Chelsea Station.
All five level crossings were removed and the three stations opened at the end of 2021.
The scope for the Additional Works Package 3:
The scope for the Additional Works Package 4:
- Removing two level crossings at Glen Huntly Road and Neerim Road
- Building a new, modern Glenhuntly Station
- Constructing a new pedestrian and cycle path connecting Ormond and Caulfield.
- Upgrades to Caulfield junction to coincide with the opening of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.
The level crossings will be gone in 2023 and project completed in 2024, one year ahead of schedule
SPA will continue to tender for additional works packages on the Melbourne train network including removing level crossings on the Frankston line.
Our approach
WSP's scope of work includes, but is not limited to:
- Environmental and planning services
- Architectural, urban design and related services, including landscape design
- Civil engineering, including roads, drainage, car parks, park and ride facilities, pedestrian and bicycle paths
- Systems engineering including requirement management, interface management and configuration control
- Railway engineering, including track, signalling, stations, traction power, communication and train control system, and maintenance and stabling facilities
- Stakeholder engagement and consultation
- Development of project management plans, including procurement, contract administration
- Risk identification and management services
- Project cost estimating and scheduling
Our design approach focuses on minimising environmental impacts while maximising access to the surrounding areas and anticipates future works that will improve accessibility to the beach from Carrum station, including cycle paths, upgrades to the local reserve and sports clubs as well as a periscope at Carrum station that provides a view of the bay from the station.
Outcomes/ Client Benefits
- Reduced congestion on local roads
- Improved safety around train lines
- New open space for the community
- Legacy left with local stakeholders including schools and businesses
- Preservation of historical buildings
- Improved connections between public transport, stations, local shops and amenities such as the beach
- Improved reliability of train services
- Modern train stations with latest functionality for DDA passengers
Stakeholder engagement and consultation
Find out more about the key role we played in delivering stakeholder engagement and consultation services on the project, which enabled us to manage and mitigate adverse construction impacts for residents, businesses, road users and the wider community, while developing opportunities to maximise positive community impacts and social value.
Read more about Stakeholder engagement and consultation
