Victoria’s Premier, Daniel Andrews, has unveiled designs for a new elevated section of the Cranbourne-Pakenham line in Melbourne.
The $1.6 billion scheme would lead to the closure of nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong, improving safety and reducing congestion.
The designs include three new elevated sections of track – beneath which new parks and public spaces will be created. Signalling and power supply systems will be upgraded along the route, allowing service frequencies to be increased.
Along the new section of railway, stations will be built at Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale, Clayton and Noble Park.
A public consultation into the elevated corridor has been going on since April. With the designs released, a further period of consultation will now begin. But the Victoria state government hopes to begin construction later this year.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “Every single level crossing between Caulfield and Dandenong will become history.
“This tired and ugly rail corridor will become one of Melbourne’s largest community open spaces, with room for parks, playgrounds, netball courts and thousands of new car parks.
“As a local, I look forward to taking my kids to enjoy this brand new and beautiful open space.”
Work will be delivered by a CPB Contractors and Lend Lease consortium. The new elevated route should be completed in 2018.
India is building elevated transit with a recessed track in a U-shaped structure that greatly reduces overall height and muffles wheel noise.