Frankston line users face months of disruption as a level crossing removal blitz looms.

Track closures, service reductions and stations shutting will cause months of disruption on the Frankston line as six level crossings are pulled out. Here’s what you need to know.

Commuters along the Frankston line face months of headaches with chunks of the busy route to be shut as a level crossing removal blitz looms.

Thousands of passengers will be forced to board dreaded replacement buses as tradies work to pluck six crossings from the track and build two new stations at Mentone and Cheltenham.

Services will be slashed between Frankston and Moorabbin from February 2-16, with Mentone station set to close in late March and Cheltenham station in mid April.

Trains will run express through both stations before a “section” of the line is closed for two months between mid May and July.

Both tracks will be lowered into a rail trench and a third track added at Cheltenham with roads to be rebuilt back to original levels.

New designs for a garden and recreational area at Mentone have been released and a three kilometre walking and cycling path will connect each stop.

Landscape garden design for the new recreational space at Mentone Station due by 2021.

The rail track will be lowered into a trench.

The works will also see temporary closures of level crossings and detours in place for road users, after Cheltenham traffic was forced into gridlock when trench works began in November.

In the lead up to the closure, Sammy’s Barber Shop owner Tony Porter said there was “no question” works would disturb trade at his business, which has proudly operated on Charman Rd for more than a century.

“It’s definitely going to affect us, it’s just a question of the severity of the effect,” he told the Leader.

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But Transport Minister Jacinta Allan acknowledged there was “busy” year ahead as traders worked to remove the level crossing “death traps”.

“We’re getting rid of these death traps and making Cheltenham and Mentone safer with brand new stations and more open space,” she said.

“I thank residents and traders in advance for their patience during construction, which will deliver more trains and more often.”

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