Carrum train station set to close as removal works get underway

Commuters on the Frankston line will face major disruptions and carpark woes as work to remove three level crossings and build a rail bridge gets underway. Here’s what you need to know. SEE THE PHOTOS

Level crossing removal works are underway in Bonbeach and Carrum. Picture: Penny Stephens

Commuters on the Frankston line will face disruptions, delays, and will have to find somewhere else to park, as work to remove three level crossings and build a skyrail gets underway across Kingston.

Work has started on Carrum’s controversial level crossing removal project, following strong backlash from many residents opposed to the 900m long rail bridge.

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The bridge will scale eight metres high at some points, plus gantries stretching a further eight metres into the air.

Three level crossings on the Frankston line are also being removed as part of the multimillion-dollar project, at Station St and Eel Race Rd at Carrum, and Mascot Ave at Bonbeach.

Work kicked off last month as crews started relocating underground services and upgrading signals on the Frankston line.

The level crossing removal works happening in Bonbeach and Carrum. Picture: Penny Stephens

Drain digging near Eel Race Rd, Bonbeach. Picture: Penny Stephens

The station carpark will also be closed from March 9 until early 2020, and Carrum station will close mid-this year while the existing rail line is removed.

Trains will run express through Carrum and shuttle buses will transport passengers from Carrum to Seaford and Bonbeach, and the LXRA said extra car spaces would be provided at Seaford North Reserve, and Chelsea Library while the car park is shut.

The new Patterson River North ramp. Picture: Penny Stephens

Commuters will face delays during level crossing removal works in Carrum. Picture: Penny Stephens

A temporary train line will also be built across Carrum station carpark to keep trains running as level crossings are removed.

LXRA Southern program director Adam Maguire said when completed early next year, the project would make it “safer and easier for people to access the things they love about the area”.

“We’ve carefully planned the project to minimise disruption to train services and the local community,” he said.

Works are underway on the new Patterson River North ramp. Picture: Penny Stephens

The Nepean Highway precinct where the temporary offices are moving to and the community hub has been set up. Picture: Penny Stephens

The $50 million revitalisation of Carrum will see more than 1.2 hectares of new community space, including a park at Carrum foreshore, a village green at the Carrum shops, a town square next to the new station, and a garden at a new second entrance to the station.

TIMELINE OF WORKS

Early 2019

Relocation of rail communication cables

Relocation of utility services on Station Street and Nepean Highway

Ramp on Bonbeach side of Karrum Karrum Bridge open

Piling and overhead wiring structures installed for temporary track through Carrum

Ramp on Carrum side of Karrum Karrum Bridge open

Closure of car park at Carrum Station

Station Street level crossing closed

Mid 2019

Carrum Station closed and removed

Temporary track constructed and operating

Carrum train storage removed

Start piling (ground stabilisation) for the rail bridge

Late 2019

Start installation of elevated rail piers

Piling completed

Pier installation completed

Start bridge beam installation

New Carrum Station construction begins

Early 2020

New Carrum Station operational

Landscaping works to revitalise Carrum start

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