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 75 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 $588 million Initial Works Package and the $536 million Additional Works Package 1. 

The general scope for the initial works package: 

• Remove four level crossings at Mascot Avenue, Bonbeach and Station Street and Eel Race Road, Carrum and Seaford Road, Seaford. 
• Extend McLeod Road, Carrum to the Nepean Highway. 
• Build a new road bridge across the Patterson River in Carrum connecting Station Street. 
• Remove the Carrum train storage facility to a purpose-built facility in Kananook. 
• Rebuild Carrum Station. 
• Revitalise Seaford including upgrading RF Miles reserve and constructing a new cycling and walking path from Eel Race Road all the way to Frankston. 
• Revitalise Carrum’s local community and business activity centre through improved amenity, creation of open spaces and beautification works. 

The scope for the Additional Works Package includes: 

• Removing three level crossings at Balcombe Road, Mentone, and Charman and Park roads in Cheltenham. 
• Lowering the rail line into trenches and allow the construction of new Cheltenham and Mentone stations. 
• Retain and restore the heritage-listed station buildings at Cheltenham and Mentone as part of the design of the new station precincts, while a third track will be built at Cheltenham Station to allow for increased train services along the Frankston line. 
• Create more than three kilometres of walking and cycling paths connecting the stations. 

The five heritage-listed trees in the Mentone station gardens will be protected in their current location during construction and a major landscaping program will create a new ‘garden bridge’ across the rail trench near Balcombe Road. 

SPA will continue to tender for additional works packages on the Frankston line including level crossing removals at Chelsea, Bonbeach, Edithvale and Glenhuntly.

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

• 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