Mont Albert and Union roads to reopen after Surrey Hills and Mont Albert level crossing removals

The pain is almost over for Surrey Hills and Mont Albert traders with two roads to reopen after crossing works – but more disruptions are on the way for train commuters.

Mont Albert and Union roads will reopen on Saturday May 13 after level crossing removal works in Mont Albert and Surrey Hills. Picture: Level Crossing Removal Project

Major roads in Mont Albert and Surrey Hills will reopen this Saturday after almost three months of level crossing removal works.

Workers from the Level Crossing Removal Project have rebuilt Mont Albert Rd and Union Rd over the new rail trench during works to remove the Mont Albert and Surrey Hills level crossings.

The new roads are supported by 37 “massive” concrete beams over the new rail trench, the Level Crossing Removal Project said in an update.

Crews have worked around the clock for almost three months.

“More than 22,000 vehicles will enjoy safer and less congested journeys every day over the new 1.3km rail trench,” it said.

The crossings at Mont Albert Rd and Union Rd will be gone for good and the new Union station will open on May 22, with works to continue on station car parks, open spaces, landscaping and finishing touches.

But there’s more pain in store for weary Belgrave and Lilydale line commuters with the Level Crossing Removal Project announcing major construction work at Ringwood, Ringwood East and Croydon.

“To prepare for work to begin on the new Croydon rail bridge and rail trenches at both Ringwood sites, crews will work on critical signalling, power and communications lines in the rail corridor and install concrete foundations underground with the help of piling rigs,” it said.

While works are underway, buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines from Tuesday June 6 to last service Sunday June 11.

The state government will remove two crossings at Dublin Rd and Bedford Rd, and build a new Ringwood East station, with construction to be complete by 2025.

Both level crossings will be removed by building rail trenches, to run trains under the roads.

The government is also removing the Coolstore Rd, Croydon crossing and building a new station, with work also to be completed by 2025, making the Lilydale line crossing free.