‘Hybrid’ version of skyrail to be built at Seaford Rd, Seaford, due to environmental concerns
A “HYBRID” version of skyrail will be built at Seaford — as part of the level crossing removal program — due to environmental concerns.
South East
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A “HYBRID” version of skyrail will be built at Seaford — as part of the level crossing removal program — due to environmental concerns.
The State Government said the train line could not be lowered into a trench at Seaford due to the impact on groundwater, Kananook Creek and the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands.
Instead, it plans to lower Seaford Rd by 1.5m with the train line built on a planted embankment, rather than an elevated rail.
Carrum state Labor MP Sonya Kilkenny said the government had listened to feedback from residents who were opposed to skyrail.
“By continuing to work together, we will deliver the best possible outcomes for all of us,” she said.
But Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands vice president Robin Clarey said her group wanted a full Federal Government environmental assessment of the project.
“The wetlands are a Ramsar-listed site. There needs to be a proper assessment of any kind of environmental affects,” she said.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority says Seaford Rd is one of the busiest level crossing sites along the Frankston line with 17,000 vehicles passing through the crossing daily.
The government has already announced an 8m rail bridge will be built at the Skye Rd/Overton Rd crossing.
Frankston state Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said works to remove the crossing were being fast tracked and it would go by the end of 2018.
The LXRA said early works would start mid this year with construction kicking off late 2017.
Plans have also been announced for the removal of the Station St and Eel Race Rd crossings at Carrum.
Officials said plans include extending McLeod Rd to Nepean Highway, closing the two crossings and building a new bridge connecting Station St over Patterson River and closing the Mascot Ave level crossing at Bonbeach.
They said a short rail bridge option had been selected to reduce the impact on the community.