- Minister for Transport Infrastructure
Work is ramping up for the removal of three more dangerous and congested level crossings and construction of two new modern stations at Cheltenham and Mentone on the Frankston line, paving the way for a construction blitz in May.
Construction started in late 2019 on the rail trenches which will lower the Frankston line under Park Road and Charman Road in Cheltenham as well as Balcombe Road in Mentone. From 2 February to 16 February, the Frankston line will be closed between Frankston and Moorabbin as the level crossings at Carrum are removed and early works at Cheltenham and Mentone continues.
Mentone Station will again close in late-March 2020 and Cheltenham Station will close from mid-April 2020. Trains will run express through the stations until a two-month closure of a section of the Frankston line which will run from mid-May to mid-July 2020.
During the construction blitz, buses will replace trains from Moorabbin to Mordialloc so excavation of the rail trenches can take place. For road users, there will be temporary closures of level crossings during this time and detours will be in place to minimise disruption.
When trains resume, the crossings will be gone for good and new stations will open shortly after with finishing works continuing into early 2021.
With more than 14,000 students enrolled at schools in the area, dedicated replacement busses have been added during construction. A schools reference group was formed and meets regularly to keep the community informed.
New designs were unveiled for Mentone Station gardens. The designs, based on community feedback, feature a large new recreational area. The heritage-listed station and the five heritage-listed trees remain central elements.
As well as three level crossing removals and two new stations, the third track at Cheltenham Station will be connected to the Frankston line to allow for more trains more often in the future.The project will also 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.
The Friends of Mentone Station and Gardens community group has been a key part of our work at Mentone to date and will continue to be involved in the project.
These works are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s massive $3 billion investment on the Frankston line which includes the removal of 18 level crossings, with five already removed, and building 12 new stations.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We’re getting rid of these death traps – making Cheltenham and Mentone safer, and delivering brand new stations and more open space.”
“Cheltenham and Mentone are going to have a busy year and I thank residents and traders in advance for their patience during construction, which will deliver more trains, more often.”
As noted by Member for South Metropolitan Enver Erdogan
“These level crossings are dangerous and unsafe – that’s why they need to go. On top of providing brand new stations, we’re delivering more open space for our community to enjoy.”
