By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The deadly Abbotts Road level crossing is set to be removed by early September – several months ahead of schedule.
The State Government has announced a 10-day construction blitz to complete the 410-metre single-track rail bridge between the evening of 28 August and the morning of 8 September.
During that time, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Cranbourne.
There will be traffic management but no extended closures on Abbotts Road during the period, the Government stated.
The works include removing the boom gates and existing track, and installing and connecting the new track, signalling and power.
The project had been expected to be finished in 2019.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said: “Not only will this dangerous level crossing soon be gone for good, but we’re removing it earlier than we promised – a great result and a credit to all involved.”
“Both rail and road users will benefit from this project and from all the upgrades planned for Melbourne’s South-Eastern suburbs over the coming years, getting people to where they need to go sooner and safer.”
The crossing had been used by about 22,000 vehicles a day.
It had been the scene of a fatal collision in 2012, when a truck crashed into a metropolitan-bound train’s carriage.
The crash derailed the train, killing one passenger and injuring at least nine others.
In this year’s budget, the State Government announced the duplication of a nearby two-kilometre section of Pound Road West and Remington Drive, including a new road bridge over the Cranbourne line.
By September, the State Government plans to have removed 29 level crossings in Victoria, including 11 on the Cranbourne-Pakenham lines.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said: “We’ve smashed our promise to remove 20 in our first term.
“We thank passengers for their patience as we get on with the works which will get them home safer and sooner.”
