Transport of heavy load to delay EastLink motorists

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays tonight on EastLink southbound as an enormous concrete beam makes its way to Frankston.

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays tonight on EastLink southbound as an enormous concrete beam makes its way to Frankston.

The first of 24 U-shaped viaducts will complete its journey from Kilmore to Frankston after being parked on the Eastern freeway overnight.

The 7m-long transporter is made up of two trailers and two prime movers, which are supporting the beam that is 31m long, roughly 6m wide and weigh 280 tonnes.

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The transporter will enter EastLink southbound via Boronia road late tonight, and be travelling at a speed of 20-40 km/h.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority advises there will be points along the route where vehicles will be able to safely pass the transport, however at times it will not be possible.

The journey is expected to take approximately 60 minutes with the transport exiting EastLink southbound on to the Peninsula Link freeway.

The first of 24 U-shaped viaducts will complete its journey from Kilmore to Frankston after being parked on the Eastern freeway overnight. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Once arriving in Frankston the beams will be used for the construction of a new rail bridge at Skye/Overton Rd, part of the state’s level crossing removal project.

Tonight will act as a trail route for the transportation of the remaining beams, allowing the project team to adjust the plan for future movements if need be.

Level Crossing chief executive officer Kevin Devlin said: “This is a massive logistical task, but extensive planning has gone into ensuring that these heavy loads can be transported safely and with as little disruption to commuters as possible.”

VicRoads and the Level Crossing Removal Authority expect the transportation of concrete beams to continue through to May.