- Premier
The Frankston train line will shut for more than two months from late May as part of the biggest level crossing construction blitz ever undertaken – removing three more dangerous crossings and building two new stations.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan today reminded Victorians about the nine-week work program, which will see crews working around-the-clock to dig the new rail trenches, build roads over the rail trenches, and deliver two new stations – as well as removing three level crossings for good.
The blitz will start in Cheltenham and Mentone in late May under strict physical distancing and other health and safety protocols to slow the spread of coronavirus. Due to these measures, one week has been added to the rail line closure to allow more than 1,700 workers to carry out the complex project.
Buses will replace trains on the Frankston line between Moorabbin and Mordialloc, and on the Stony Point line, from the night of 23 May through to 27 July. Rail replacement buses will undergo enhanced cleaning, and their frequency will be updated to reflect the state’s current health advice and passenger numbers.
When trains resume in July, three more dangerous and congested level crossings will be gone for good at Park and Charman roads in Cheltenham, and Balcombe Road in Mentone. Finishing works will continue at both new stations, with Mentone Station opening in early August and Cheltenham Station to open in mid-August.
Further along the line, site offices and work areas are being established in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach, ahead of major construction to build a trench to remove five more level crossings and build three new stations.
In Seaford, the new Kananook Train Storage Facility will become operational in early May. Meanwhile, work is continuing to complete the new Carrum Station and create new community open spaces.
The works are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $3 billion investment in the line, which includes removing 18 level crossings and building 12 new stations. Together with the Metro Tunnel, they will deliver more trains, more often.
The Metro Tunnel will create room for 36,000 more passengers every week on the Frankston line during peak periods – an increase of 15 per cent.
Across Melbourne, 75 level crossings are being removed by 2025, with 35 already gone for good. More information about Victoria’s huge infrastructure agenda and disruptions is available at
As noted by Premier Daniel Andrews
“This will be the biggest level crossing construction blitz we’ve ever done, but the disruption will be worth it.”
“Our Big Build will be vital to creating the jobs Victoria needs for our economic recovery – this is just the beginning.”
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We’ve worked really hard with our construction partners to ensure we can get this vital work done that will deliver more trains, more often – whilst protecting the safety of our workforce and supporting local jobs.”
