Clyde Road’s level crossing removal project is getting ready to step up construction in September following the completion of extensive bridge piling and micro tunnelling works at the Berwick site.
Buses will replace trains between Westall and Pakenham and Cranbourne stations from 8.30pm, Friday 10 September to last service, Sunday 12 September, to allow for the installation of underground services and further drainage works.
These works will coincide with Metro Trains’ rail infrastructure renewal and maintenance on the line, with works on the level crossing removal project at Clyde Road being carried out at the same time to minimise disruption to passengers.
During the past eight months, three piling rigs weighing up to 100 tonnes have completed major bridge piling works at the Clyde Road site, digging 16 holes up to 29 metres deep for bridge foundations.
These works have paved the way for the installation of the new rail bridge in early 2022.
Meanwhile, a micro tunnel boring machine has steadily been working its way for 385 metres under Clyde Road so that important drainage pipes can be laid.
More than two kilometres of drainage will be installed, and more than 11 kilometres of underground services will be relocated by the time the project is finished.
The works are part of the Victorian Government’s $15 billion upgrade to the Pakenham line, including the removal of every level crossing by 2025, new high-capacity trains and the Metro Tunnel Project.
Construction crews will work around the clock for three days, with an increase in heavy vehicles, pedestrian and cyclist detours, and lane closures with reduced speed limits also expected to be in place.
The southern car park at Berwick Station also remains closed while car park construction work continues, with some northern car parks also scheduled to be closed throughout September during the level crossing removal works.
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas welcomed the benefits the crossing’s removal will bring for commuters and road users.
“Although a temporary closure of the line is required to allow essential works to continue, the works will deliver huge benefits for train passengers and road users and we thank them for their patience while crews are out on the ground.”
Passengers and road users can plan their journey at bigbuild.vic.gov.au
For more information on the works visit: https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/clyde-road-berwick
