- Minister for Transport Infrastructure
Works are underway to remove three dangerous level crossings and build two new stations in Cheltenham and Mentone – with a one-week rail closure beginning today as construction ramps up.
Buses will replace trains from today until Friday 27 March between Moorabbin and Mordialloc during weekdays – which will be extended between Moorabbin and Frankston on the weekend and some evenings. Buses will also replace trains between Frankston and Stony Point during this time.
Cheltenham and Mentone stations will both close from today until the new stations open in mid-2020, with trains to run express through these stations and shuttle buses operating between Southland and Parkdale stations.
Works will go ahead with stringent protocols in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, providing job security for workers on our major projects and ensuring progress continues to deliver a better train network for Victorians.
There will be increased cleaning across the public transport network as part of the fight against COVID-19, including rail replacement buses. This includes nightly sanitation of all trains, trams and buses, including wiping down all touch surfaces and entirely spraying with disinfectant. There will also be enhanced cleaning during bus layovers at major interchanges.
Passengers are reminded to practice good hygiene on public transport, travel in less busy times where possible and that if they feel unwell they should stay at home.
Extra precautions are in place to keep workers safe, ensuring these critical works can be completed quickly and the two stations are brought back online as soon as possible.
During the shutdown, crews will continue with piling, service relocation, and other vital works as they prepare for the bigger two-month shut later this year.
With more than 14,000 students in the area, Mentone ‘school special’ replacement buses will operate during these works to keep students traveling safely.
During the major construction blitz, which will start on 24 May and run for eight weeks, the rail trenches will be dug out and new stations built. Buses will replace trains between Moorabbin and Mordialloc during this time.
The new Mentone Station will open when trains resume on the Frankston line in mid-July, and Cheltenham Station will follow in August. These works are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $3 billion investment on the Frankston line which includes the removal of 18 level crossings – with eight already removed – and 12 new stations.
More information about Victoria’s huge infrastructure agenda and disruptions is available at .
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We’re continuing work on these projects despite the COVID-19 outbreak – providing certainty to local workers and making progress on delivering a better train network for Victorians.”
“These level crossings are dangerous and unsafe – we’re getting rid of them, like we promised, as well as delivering new stations for Cheltenham and Mentone, with more open space for the community to enjoy.”
As noted by Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
“Getting rid of these level crossings has been talked about forever – we’re getting on with the job and extending the historic Mentone Station gardens as well.”
