Level crossings Melbourne

[ozbob]

Grange and Lower Plenty Road level crossings are two of the worst. They'll now be gone by 2019. #springsthttps://t.co/LhYSw0A7rw

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) June 14, 2016

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Sky rail protesters march en masse in Hughesdale

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Roadworks add to commuter pain during marathon Frankston line shutdown

I travelled on the rail replacement buses between Caulfield & Bentleigh yesterday.  Signage, staff support, bus organisation I thought was done well. Clearly at peak buses would be full but that is to be expected and road congestion will slow the buses.  When I travelled yesterday the road works were complete and it was quick.  They have all station buses and express buses to bridge the gap directly.

There will always be ' pain ' with a closure of this dimension.  The Frankston line runs 1000 pax trains every 10 minutes (better at peak).  It will always be a struggle to match this with bus.

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/major-works-set-to-start-on-new-elevated-rail-line/

Major Works Set To Start On New Elevated Rail Line

6 July 2016

Major construction on the Andrews Labor Government's $1.6 billion project to remove every level crossing between Dandenong and the City is about to begin.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan to announce that, from the start of August, preparations will begin to install two 'gantry cranes' weighing 230 tonnes near Murrumbeena Station ready for an advanced engineering feat never seen before in Victoria.

The huge gantry cranes – 40 metres wide and 150 metres long – will install the 2,500 locally-manufactured segments of the new modern elevated line by moving back and forth in the air while trains keep running underneath.

The advanced technique significantly reduces the impact on passengers and nearby homes during construction.

This new line will remove nine of Victoria's worst level crossings, reducing road congestion, improving safety and creating space to run more trains in and out of the city.

New power and signalling will be installed and 30 platforms along the Cranbourne-Pakenham line will be extended so they are ready for the 65 new high-capacity trains that will begin using the line when the project is finished in 2018.

There will be impacts on commuter car parking while the five new elevated train stations are built. The car park at Murrumbeena Station will be fully closed and the car park at Noble Park will be partially closed from the start of August until the project is finished in 2018.

Carnegie Station car park will also be fully closed from 7 August, Clayton Station car park will partially close in September and Hughesdale Station will close later in the year also until 2018.

All parking temporarily lost at these stations will be off-set in Holmesglen, East Malvern, Huntingdale and Sandown Park. Once completed, the project will allow a significant increase in the number of commuter car parks along the line.

For more information about the closures and the benefits of this major project, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Premier, Daniel Andrews

"These are Melbourne's worst level crossings – they're dangerous, they're congested, and they stop us running more trains on our busiest train line."

"We're getting rid of every level crossing by building modern elevated rail – it means less disruption, five new stations, and 11 MCGs of new community space – and we're getting it done."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

"This massive construction effort will create more than 2,000 jobs building a better line to carry more trains without clogging up our roads."

"There will be impact on car parking while we build the new stations but every space will be off-set nearby, and ultimately the project will create more parking for passengers, as well as new open space for the community."

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Meanwhile in banana-land we are still wondering if we can make a giant leap to rear door bus boarding ..

[ozbob]

In Melbourne last week, I took the time to visit Carnegie, Murrumbeena stations particularly and other stations on the Dandy line and take some final photographs.  It will be a vastly changed vista next time I am down that way.  I remember the stations being much the same from the 1950s.  Soon to be all obliterated !   Such is life .. 

Murrumbeena in the early morning ..







Photographs R Dow 2nd July 2016

[ozbob]

18 months worth of work across 3 level crossings in 37 days. We're keeping busy on the Frankston line. #springsthttps://t.co/M561DgIgWH

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) July 7, 2016

[ozbob]

More detailed timelines from @levelcrossings flyer. #skyrail pic.twitter.com/VeWBqXDjuk

— Crossing Watch (@CrossingWatchin) July 15, 2016

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Frankston line level crossings: Massive voids draw crowds to three stations

[ozbob]

Bentleigh, McKinnon & Ormond Level crossing removal timelapse (at night)

[ozbob]

The level crossing removal project has reached a milestone in Melbourne's south-east. @ChristieCooper7 https://t.co/4ul1bN8gts

— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) July 16, 2016

[ozbob]

The old signal box from #GardinerStation has started a new life as a bike shelter! pic.twitter.com/7lfS93R5aZ

— Level Crossings (@levelcrossings) July 20, 2016

[ozbob]

#timelapse #progress #gettingitdone #springsthttps://t.co/sTIvfhjxkN

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) July 21, 2016

[ozbob]

The tracks are connected again in the Ormond - McKinnon - Bentleigh grade step pic.twitter.com/n9MDH2ekZU

— Andrew Waugh (@MAndrewWaugh) July 24, 2016

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> High-rises to soar over suburban stations to help fund level crossing removals

[ozbob]

Less than a week until the Frankston line is reopened. Reckon I can see @NStaikos' house from up here. #springst pic.twitter.com/XQmkyueL1v

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) July 25, 2016

[ozbob]

In just under three weeks, #McKinnon has had an extreme makeover! Follow our progress on Instagram @levelcrossings pic.twitter.com/SwS7QM8aOT

— Level Crossings (@levelcrossings) July 26, 2016

[ozbob]

.@levelcrossings presents Game of Drones Episode 2: North, McKinnon, and Centre Rd. #springsthttps://t.co/jIMZ7Hgx1Q

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) July 26, 2016

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Workers injured in rush to remove three level crossings in Melbourne

[ozbob]

State govt accused of railroading locals by allowing 13-storey high-rise at the new Ormond Station. @BrendanDonohoe7 https://t.co/GVG9KZ4yxl

— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) July 26, 2016

[ozbob]

Two level crossings out, two brand new train stations in. Take a look here. #springsthttps://t.co/Hoodex5YOK

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) July 29, 2016

[ozbob]

A test train is the first through the new lowered railway at McKinnon. pic.twitter.com/Mm4WCqC3O1

— Vicsig (@vicsig) July 29, 2016

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/crossings-gone-tracks-lowered-trains-returned/

Transport Media Release

Crossings Gone, Tracks Lowered, Trains Returned

Premier 31 July 2016

Trains return to the Frankston line tomorrow after three level crossings were removed during the longest rail line closure since construction of the City Loop more than 30 years ago.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan on the platform of the new below-ground McKinnon Station, which will open to passengers tomorrow.

The new station was built during a construction blitz that has removed three dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne's south east six months ahead of schedule.

Over the past 37 days, more than 1,000 people have worked around the clock excavating 250,000 cubic metres of soil – enough to fill the MCG –  to lower the line so trains can run safely under Centre, McKinnon and North Roads.

These level crossings were some of Melbourne's worst, with boom gates down for up to 45 minutes in the two-hour morning peak, causing frustration, distress and delay for tens of thousands of motorists.

To enable these works to occur, the Frankston line was closed between Caulfield and Moorabbin for more than five weeks, and replacement buses moved thousands of passengers every day.

McKinnon Station will open tomorrow, and Ormond and Bentleigh Stations will open later in August. Carpark and landscaping works at the three stations will continue over the coming months.

This is the first time in Victoria's history that three level crossings have been removed concurrently and means the Andrews Labor Government has now removed four level crossings in less than 18 months.

Construction has started at a further 15 crossing removals, and by the end of 2018 work will be underway or complete on the removal of 35 of Victoria's worst crossings, with 50 level crossings to be removed by 2022.

For more information about the Level Crossing Removal Project, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"The crossings are gone, the track has been lowered and tomorrow the trains are back, completing one of the biggest construction efforts in Victorian history."

"We said we would get rid of these dangerous and congested level crossings – and we have got it done."

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

"I thank the thousands of passengers affected by the closures, and the thousands of workers whose skill and hard work has removed these crossings, built these stations and made these communities safer."

Quote attributable to Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos

"My community has fought to have these level crossings removed, and I am proud to be part of the Government that has listened and delivered."

================

I was fortunate to see the commencement of these works late June/early July.  Amazing effort all round really.

Well done Victoria!

[ozbob]

Frankston trains are back tomorrow after removal of three level crossings. @DanielAndrewsMP @theheraldsun #springst pic.twitter.com/9hQfIO9Kre

— Tom Minear (@tminear) July 30, 2016

[ozbob]

ABC news --> Trains return to Melbourne's Frankston Line after weeks of disruption

Trains will return to Melbourne's Frankston Line on Monday after weeks of disruption.

Three level crossings were removed during the longest rail line closure in the city since the construction of the City Loop more than 30 years ago.

The new below-ground McKinnon Station will open tomorrow, with new stations at Ormond and Bentleigh to follow in late August.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the three level crossings were removed six months ahead of schedule.

"There's been a lot of disruption in recent times. We've had a fleet of about 70 buses running up and down this corridor replacing trains for these last 37 days," he said.

"To every single member of the travelling public, traders, the local community thank you so much for putting up with that short term pain for what is undoubtedly a clear win, clear gain in the long term for this local community and for our state."

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the State Government was "absolutely determined" to keep up the pace of its level crossing removal project.

"I think tomorrow morning, when the trains start running again, the benefits will be immediately seen through a better train experience, reduced road congestion and, of course, the enormous and important safety benefits that come from getting rid of these dangerous and congested level crossings," she said.

Construction has started on a further 15 crossing removals, which are due to be completed by the end of 2018.

[ozbob]

Run through Ormond, McKinnon, Bentleigh

>> https://www.facebook.com/DanielAndrewsMP/videos/1127707313960470/

[aldonius]

Thirty. Seven. Days. 

That's what, about the same amount of time it took to build the temporary platforms at Ferny Grove? 

[ozbob]

In BrisBANE we are still trying to work out how to 'open the rear doors of buses' ...   

This was a very impressive effort.  In fact there is a lot more happening all over as well - elevated rail Caulfield <> Oakleigh, other grade separations all over Melbourne.

Two of the stations, Bentleigh and Ormond still to be completed but that will be in a few weeks.  McKinnon is open from today.

Melbourne Age --> Frankston line trains to resume on Monday (today)

[ozbob]

Good morning Mckinnon Station! #MetroTrains 🚂 pic.twitter.com/lj9Ck1cdwA

— Daniel Bowen (@danielbowen) July 31, 2016

[ozbob]

Thirty. Seven. Days. 

That's what, about the same amount of time it took to build the temporary platforms at Ferny Grove? 

The actual closure was 37 days of concentrated effort!

However there was a lot of prior preparation and planning (prevents p%ss poor performance).  January 2016 I visited Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh to see the very early works > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11742.msg166535#msg166535

[ozbob]

Commuters rejoice! The Frankston line is back up and running https://t.co/kc75POxGnu pic.twitter.com/Z9P3gadcyX

— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) July 31, 2016

[ozbob]

We&#39;re so excited & we just can&#39;t hide it! #Frankstonline trains are now stopping at the new #McKinnonStation 🚈👏👍🏾😄 🎉 pic.twitter.com/JVdPBhukXb

— Level Crossings (@levelcrossings) July 31, 2016

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-mckinnon-station-open-after-37-day-construction-blitz/

Transport Media Release

New McKinnon Station Open After 37 Day Construction Blitz

Minister for Public Transport 1 August 2016

The longest rail line closure since the construction of the City Loop is over and the new McKinnon Station is open.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos today to speak to local passengers using Victoria's newest station, built over the past 37 days.

In just over five weeks, more than 1,000 people worked around the clock excavating 250,000 cubic metres of soil – enough to fill the MCG –  to lower the line so trains can run safely under Centre, McKinnon and North Roads.

These level crossings were some of Melbourne's worst, with boom gates down for up to 45 minutes in the two-hour morning peak, causing frustration, distress and delay for tens of thousands of motorists.

The new McKinnon Station, which opened to passengers this morning, is safer, more user friendly and fully accessible, with lifts, ramps  and stairs down to platforms below ground level in the new rail cutting.

Ormond and Bentleigh Stations were also built during the closure and will open later in August. Carpark and landscaping works at all three new stations will continue over the coming months.

To enable these works to occur, the Frankston line was closed between Caulfield and Moorabbin for more than five weeks, and replacement buses moved thousands of passengers every day.

This is the first time in Victoria's history that three level crossings have been removed concurrently and means the Andrews Labor Government has now removed four level crossings in less than 18 months.

Construction has started at a further 15 crossing removals, and by the end of 2018 work will be underway or complete on the removal of 35 of Victoria's worst crossings, with 50 level crossings to be removed by 2022.

For more information about the Level Crossing Removal Project, visit http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

"The new station is the heart of the transformation that has occurred here over the past 37 days, which has made McKinnon safer and less congested."

"I thank the local residents and businesses near these works, the passengers affected by them, and the workers – whose skill and hard work has removed this crossing, built this station and improved this community."

Quote attributable to Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos

"My community has fought to have these level crossings removed, and I am proud to be part of the Government that has listened and delivered."

"The new station is safer, easier to use and fully accessible – and there are two more that will open in the coming weeks. They will make it quicker and easier for locals to catch the train, and get home safer and sooner."

[ozbob]

Thanks for your patience!

[ozbob]

And the grade separations continue ...

St Albans level crossing removals

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Three shortlisted for Melton Highway crossing removal

Victoria's Level Crossing Removal Authority has named a trio of bidders to the shortlist for a contract to remove the level crossing over the Melton Highway at Sydenham, in Melbourne's north-west.

Following a "competitive" expressions of interest period, launched earlier this year, the LXRA on July 27 announced the following bidders had progressed to the shortlist:

    BMD Constructions Pty Ltd
    Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd
    WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd and Rizzani de Eccher Australia Pty Ltd (joint venture)

The three shortlisted bidders will be given a Request for Tender, LXRA said.

The preferred design to remove the level crossing at Melton Highway is a road bridge over the rail line, according to the authority.

The LXRA says it has been gathering feedback from local residents, council and local businesses since February, and has used this to refine the project's design, which the bidders will have to address in the next stage of the tender process.

A contract will be awarded by the end of 2016, and the crossing is targeted for removal by late 2018.



Future development considered at removal sites

Meanwhile, the Victorian Government has announced it will investigate development opportunities at Ormond, Bentleigh and McKinnon stations, as well as near Gardiner station on Burke road.

The LXRA says the research is part of the government's "vision to create vibrant communities and deliver economic, social and environmental benefits around transport hubs".

Level crossing removals are almost complete near Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh stations on the Frankston line, and all three projects include rebuilding the respective stations to suit the new corridor setup.

The Burke Road level crossing is the first – and so far only – level crossing removal classed as complete by the LXRA, with the project rebuilding the Gardiner station on the Glen Waverly line.

All four removals were contracted to a joint venture of John Holland and KBR.

"As part of the construction of the new Ormond Station, a deck is being built over the rail line to enable a major new mixed-use development," the government said in a statement.

"The deck is the first step towards enabling development of up to 13 storeys at the site. This could include new apartments, retail space or a supermarket, encouraging more people to stay in the area to shop local, and providing flow-on benefits for existing local businesses.

"Sites next to Bentleigh and McKinnon Stations are also being future-proofed as part of the level crossing removal works to enable future developments, although given the nature of the local neighbourhoods, they will be significantly smaller in scale.

"Any future developments at these sites will need to follow the Government's prescribed planning approval processes, including a draft planning scheme amendment process, which would involve a public exhibition and consultation stage."

[#Metro]

It is a very good model. The authority essentially has focus on one one function and they become very good at it.

They don't have anything else to distract them and probably could get some more crossings removed.

Daniel Andrews and red team have done really well with this.

(IIRC, this is funded by an asset sale of the ports)

[ozbob]

It has taken a fair bit of political courage from the Andrews Government  to just do it in the end. 

(Despite the anti-skyrail hysteria the Andrews Govt is actually improving their polling significantly -  folks are not silly in the end).

They have stared down a fair bit of criticism from various vested interest groups of course but the bottom line is the crossings simply have to be fixed.

It is hard to imagine the same vigour and resolve in Queensland hey?  Still trying work out how to ' open the rear doors of buses '  in banana land ...

The Level Cross Removal Authority is not a statutory authority as such but is an Administrative Office established under the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources ( http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/about/about-the-authority ) BUT it is just focussed on the LX removals and the associated issues. They do do it well though! 

What was achieved through Ormond - McKinnon - Bentleigh was staggering really in the short time. 

The bus rail-replacement services a massive effort as well.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Frankston line reopens as level crossing program rolls on