The Victorian Government’s Big Build is forging ahead this autumn, with significant work continuing to remove level crossings, build new stations and prepare for the Metro Tunnel opening in 2025 – a year ahead of schedule.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson announced buses will replace trains on sections of the Sunbury, Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Gippsland lines at various times throughout March, April and May as testing ramps up for the Metro Tunnel.
“It’s full steam ahead on works to prepare for completion of the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel projects, remove more level crossings and ensure we have a transport system to support Victoria’s population growth,” Pearson said.
Major construction is also in full swing across 16 level crossing removal sites, as the Government gets on with removing 110 dangerous and congested boom gates – with 74 already gone.
In Melbourne’s south-east, buses will replace trains on sections of the Frankston Line in March and April, as crews work to remove the level crossing in Parkdale this year. On the Pakenham line, construction will continue on the new premium stations at Pakenham and Pakenham East, and a new Narre Warren Station set to open in late March.
There will also be road and rail disruptions on sections of the Belgrave and Lilydale line until late March, as crews work to remove the Bedford Road, Ringwood level crossing.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will start work on a 2.5-kilometre elevated veloway along Footscray Road to create a safe and easier passage for cyclists to and from the city, which will involve lane closures until mid-2024.
There will be further disruptions on the West Gate Freeway during March and April for asphalting works and the installation of overhead signage.
To get ready for tunnelling on North East Link, crews are continuing to deliver TBM pieces and there will be long-term traffic changes in Bulleen to keep drivers moving while workers build the Manningham Road ramps into the tunnels.
There will be disruptions as part of the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade and overnight closures on the Princes Freeway inbound and outbound between the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road freeway ramps for the Pakenham Roads Upgrade.
Construction on the Suburban Rail Loop is ramping up with crews now working at all six station locations between Cheltenham and Box Hill – with lane and road closures planned to pave the way for the tunnel boring machines and underground station construction.
To meet the city’s future transport needs and increased demands on the tram network, Yarra Trams will conduct upgrade and maintenance works with buses replacing trams on sections of routes 3, 58, 67, 78, 86 in April and May.
To find out more and to check before you travel, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
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