No more boom gates

Keysborough MP Martin Pakula, Premier and Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Noble Park trader Ambi C Ambikaipalan. 177255 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Noble Park’s boom gates are gone and there’ll be a community day to celebrate.
Construction teams dismantled the red and white gates, bells and signage at the Corrigan, Heatherton and Chandler roads rail crossings, the State Government announced on Friday 2 February.
Previously the boom gates stayed down for up to 73 minutes during in each two-hour morning peak.
Trains will start running along a 1.5 kilometre section of elevated rail from Thursday 15 February.
The new Noble Park railway station will open the same day, though works will continue through February and March to complete the fit-out.
Buses will replace trains between Westall and Dandenong railway stations in the meantime.
There’ll be a community thank-you day at Ross Reserve from 9am to noon on Saturday 24 February featuring kids’ rides, a free sausage sizzle and information about the project’s next phase.
Crews have already started to remove the old tracks to make way for the parkland that will fill the space opened up beneath the sky rail.
“We’re grateful for everyone’s patience while this major project is underway – the end result is good for drivers, train commuters and local residents who can soon enjoy the community space it’s created,” Keysborough MP Martin Pakula said.