The Andrews Labor Government will remove nine level crossings from Caulfield to Dandenong using a massive “straddle carrier” in a big win for motorists and transport users.
At 60 metres, the high-tech machine is longer than a Olympic swimming pool and is the only carrier of its kind in Australia. The machine will help build the 3.2 kilometre section of rail between Carnegie and Hughesdale, with beams being sourced from the Murrembeena assemply area.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the project would be a massive benefit for users of the busy Cranbourne-Pakenham line.
“This high-tech machine will build the new rail line while trains keep running, removing these dangerous and congested crossings sooner,” he said.
“These crossings clog local streets, put lives at risk and stop us running more trains on Melbourne’s busiest rail corridor – we said we’d get rid of them and we’re getting on with it.”
The lines are currently some of Melbourne’s worst, with boom gates often down for up to 82 minutes during the morning peak. The new project will remove all nine crossings, build five new stations and create new parks, paths and public open space.
Crucially the new project will be completed without stopping current trains and without the need to compulsorily acquire a single property.
“We’re using cutting-edge, Australian-first technology to build this massive project with the least possible disruption to drivers, passengers and the local community,” Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.
All nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong are set to be removed by the end of next year. For more information, click here.
