Super summer of works on Victoria’s big build

Work to add 36 kilometres of lanes to the Monash Freeway between Warrigal Road and Cardinia Road will continue during January. 259032_01. Picture: UNSPLASHED

The Victorian Government’s Big Build project will heat up over summer with more than 10,000 construction workers focused on transforming road and rail infrastructure in the coming months.

There will be major works on 10 rail lines, including the Cranbourne/Pakenham line, and four critical roads including the West Gate Bridge, West Gate Freeway, Monash Freeway and M80 Ring Road.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said that Victorians will need to consider how the works will affect their travel plans before they hit the road.

“While these works take place there will be disruptions on the road and rail network,” Minister Allan said.

“Passengers and motorists are advised to plan their travel and allow extra travel time.”

Work to add 36 kilometres of lanes to the Monash Freeway between Warrigal Road and Cardinia Road will continue during January, resulting in periods of daytime lane closures, reduced speed limits and overnight shuts.

Motorists should expect significant delays of up to an hour at times on the West Gate-CityLink-Monash corridor over summer.

Buses will replace trains at various times across the network as the government continues to upgrade the Cranbourne line and remove level crossings.

Another four level crossings will be gone for good with a total of 58 crossings to be removed by the end of summer and three new stations opened to the public.

Two crossings will be removed at Greens Road, Cranbourne and Clyde Road, Berwick over summer, and a new Merinda Park Station will open to passengers in early 2022.

Track duplication on the Cranbourne/Pakenham Line is on target for completion in early 2022, a year ahead of schedule, resulting in ten-minute train services in the morning peak.

Passengers are asked to plan their journey and wear a mask while on public transport.

For more information about planned disruptions over summer visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au