TRAINS have returned to the Frankston line after nearly two months of replacement buses.
Buses have replaced trains between Moorabbin and Mordialloc stations since 23 May. An uninterrupted train service resumed one week ahead of schedule on 20 July, with works on the underground rail trenches now complete.
Trains are also stopping at the new Mentone Station since the restart of regular service. Works on the station have been completed two weeks ahead of their scheduled completion date. Cheltenham Station is on track to open on 16 August.
Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said “wrapping up works early and getting people moving on the Frankston line will reduce disruption for the locals in our community who need to travel for essential reasons.”
“Our local community will now get home safer and sooner with the removal of these dangerous level crossings at Mentone and Cheltenham, with thanks to our hard working construction workers who helped deliver this once in a generation project ahead of schedule.”
Three level crossings at Park, Charman, and Balcombe roads in Cheltenham and Mentone have been removed as part of this batch of works.
At Mentone, twelve beams weighing 30 tonnes each have been put in place. This batch of works has seen over 6800 tonnes of steel and 15000 cubic metres of concrete used.