THE state government is planning to build more rail bridges along the Frankston train line to make it level crossing-free.
Under the state government’s plan, sky rail would be built over Wickham Road and Highett Road in Highett, McDonald Street in Mordialloc, Station Street in Aspendale, and over Armstrongs Road and Station Street in Seaford. The state government expects the project to be complete by 2029.
Rail under road is proposed to replace the Groves Street level crossing in Aspendale. The level crossings at Latrobe Street in Mentone and Bear Street in Mordialloc will be closed, making the entire Frankston line free of level crossings.
In a statement the state government said that the Highett rail bridge would “minimise land acquisition and avoid a four-month closure of the Frankston Line.” It also said that the proximity of Mordialloc Creek and Kananook Creek to level crossings make rail bridges the best options in those areas.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the state government is “on budget and well ahead of schedule with our unprecedented level crossing removal projects, and now we’ll make the Frankston Line level crossing free – delivering huge benefits to local communities.”
Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said “with the removal of these dangerous and congested level crossings improving safety, reducing congestion and creating better connections for our community. We’ve seen so much investment on the Frankston Line but there is more work to be done.”
At Parkdale, plans to build sky rail have sparked community backlash. An online survey conducted by Kingston Council last year found that 76 per cent of residents wanted a rail under road solution at Parkers Road and Warrigal Road instead (“Residents rally against rail over road” The News 24/11/21).
A statement on Facebook from resident group No Skyrail Parkdale slammed the state government’s new plans. “Why the insane obsession with trains, when our hospital system and emergency services are in meltdown,” the group said. “Clearly they think they can get away with it before the election. It gives the local communities no time to ask questions or mobilise any sort of opposition. What a disgrace.”
The state election will take place next month on 26 November.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 12 October 2022
