NEW designs for elevated rail in Mordialloc and Aspendale have been released.
The state government is building sky rail to replace the level crossings at McDonald Street in Mordialloc and Station Street in Aspendale – the Bear Street crossing will be permanently closed. Consultation is underway on the proposed designs for the rail bridges and new Mordialloc Station.
A statement on the Big Build Victoria website read “the new elevated station will remain in the heart of Mordialloc, close to shops and cafes with two entrances at McDonald Street and in the current station forecourt, providing safe and easy connections to the station for locals. The look and feel of the new station precinct will reflect the unique character and history of Mordialloc, with the water tower celebrated as part of the design.”
“In earlier community consultation, we heard from locals about how they value the local history and identity of the area. We also heard they would like us to improve landscaping, provide safer walking and cycling connections and community spaces as part of the project design,” Big Build Victoria said. “When the new station opens, passengers will enjoy modern facilities, landscaping, all-abilities access, safe pedestrian connections and improved lighting and community public spaces. The project will also include a new shared use path that will improve access around the station precinct, as well as connect to existing cycling paths.
“The Station Street connection to Nepean Highway will move south near Pine Crescent and will include new pedestrian crossings, with the new rail bridge over the road improving safety and traffic flow.”
Construction on the Mordialloc rail bridges is scheduled to begin next year. Information sessions will take place next month. To view the designs and make a submission visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/have-your-say-on-concept-designs-for-mordialloc.
Elsewhere on the train line, works are underway at Parkdale to build a temporary rail line. Frankston line passengers face weeks of bus replacements while works are ongoing.
Crews are in the process of constructing a temporary train line through Parkdale Station to allow trains to pass through while major redevelopment works take place. Buses replace trains on the train line between late October and early November to accommodate the works. Roads in the vicinity will also close during that time.
Level crossing removal crews are building rail over road to replace the two level crossings at Warrigal Road, Mentone and Parkers Road, Parkdale. By the end of October Parkdale Station will close and is expected to reopen next year.
Transport minister Jacinta Allan said, “we’re removing 27 level crossings and building 17 new stations to prepare the Frankston Line to return to the city loop when the Metro Tunnel opens a year ahead of schedule in 2025, allowing more trains to run more often.”
The state government is planning to make the Frankston line level crossing-free by 2029. The state government hopes to make Mordialloc level crossing-free by 2026.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 20 September 2023