Revamp plans: Final designs for a reconstructed Mentone Station, featuring a “garden bridge” (top right), have been revealed. Pictures: Supplied
PLANS for a massive revamp of train stations in Mentone and Cheltenham have been unveiled.
Level crossing removal works are set to send trains underground, with the rail line to be lowered into trenches. The works are expected to be complete by the end of 2020.
As part of the new station construction, the station garden will be expanded into a bigger open space.
Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said “getting rid of these level crossings has been talked about forever. We are getting on with the job and preserving the historic Mentone Station as well.”
“The heritage listed stations at Cheltenham and Mentone will be incorporated into the design of the new stations, and a third track will be built at Cheltenham station to allow for more trains more often on the Frankston line,” he said.
“The five heritage listed trees in the Mentone station gardens will be protected in their current location during construction and a major landscaping program will create a new garden bridge across the rail trench near Balcombe Road, expanding the much-loved station garden.”
Public transport minister Jacinta Allan said “we’re getting rid of these death traps, making Cheltenham and Mentone safer, and delivering brand new stations and more open space.”
“The project will include more than three kilometres of walking and cycling paths connecting the stations, better lighting and accessibility, landscaping, new open space, parking, and potential residential and retail development,” she said.
“This $536 million package of works are part of a massive $3 billion investment on the Frankston line which includes the removal of 18 level crossings, with five already removed, and building 11 new stations.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 20 March 2019