The project will eliminate the railway crossing at Middleborough Road, Box Hill. Construction has started, with major works to commence in January 2007, for six weeks.
Construction started: September 2006, major construction - January 2007
Completion date: May 2007
Cost: $56.5 million (including $2.2 million for feasibility study) funded by the Victorian Government
Features of the projects
What are the benefits of this project?
Feasibility Study
Construction Method
Weekend Occupations
Involving the community
More information
The Middleborough Road Rail Separation will include the following features:
- Railway: lowering the railway line by up to six metres from Miller Street to east of Laburnum Street bridge
- Road: Middleborough Road will bridge over the new tracks at a slightly raised level to eliminate the dip in the road
- Station: reconstructing Laburnum train station
- Laburnum Street: improving safety on the tight bend of Laburnum Street
- Catering for pedestrians: a pedestrian underpass will be constructed under the new Middleborough Road bridge to allow safe and more efficient movement
- Provision for future rail improvements, including a possible third track.
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The Middleborough Road Rail Separation will:
- Improve traffic flow and ease traffic congestion on Middleborough Road
- Reduce potential for accidents
- Remove current conflict between vehicles, trains and pedestrians/cyclists
- Improve facilities at Laburnum station, particularly for rail patrons with a disability
- Improve amenity (noise, visual impacts) for the surrounding community
- Improve access to surrounding suburbs
- Reduce the environmental effects of vehicle emissions.
A feasibility study undertaken over the last three years has involved detailed planning and investigation into the options and methods to separate the rail from the road. Three options were considered: road overpass, road underpass and rail underpass.
Due to the complexities of the project and potential impacts of some of the options, a careful and thorough assessment has been undertaken. The rail underpass option, while the most expensive, has been chosen as it has the least impact on the local community and businesses, with no land acquisition required.
VicRoads investigated two methods to construct the project: an 18 month program and a six week program.
The 18 month program would have required regular short-term shutdowns of the railway line and Middleborough Road, with extensive night works over this period. Construction would also have had to occur very close to operating trains.
The six week program has been chosen as it minimises the length of disruption to the community, particularly the adjacent Box Hill High School, and the transport network. It is also safer for train commuters and construction workers. Work will occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the six week period. During this time, trains will not run between Blackburn and Box Hill stations, and Middleborough Road and Laburnum Street will also be closed. These closures will occur during the off peak, holiday period from January 2007. Early construction work will also occur at various times later this year. Buses will be provided for train commuters during the rail closure. Further information will be provided closer to the date.
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For safety reasons, work cannot be undertaken close to the rail line while trains are operating. As such there will be five weekends when trains will not run to allow important works to occur. These periods are known as ‘weekend occupations’. They start after the end of normal train services on Friday night and run through until the first train is due to run on the following Monday morning. The purpose of these weekend occupations is to prepare the site for the major construction period from January 2007.
Trains are replaced by buses all day on Saturday and Sunday during this period. Some road closures may also be in place. Work will occur for 24 hours a day to maximise the time available while trains are not operating.
Works will occur:
- 6 to 9 October;
- 27 to 30 October;
- 17 to 20 November;
- 24 to 27 November; and
- 8 to 11 December
(please note this fifth weekend occupation was originally scheduled for 1 to 4 December, and has now changed to 8 to 11 December).
VicRoads will work closely with residents and rail commuters to ensure construction impacts are minimised.
The community will be kept informed of progress on the project via:
- letterdrops, newspaper advertisements and website updates
- a community noticeboard which will be located on-site once major works commence.
VicRoads welcomes and encourages feedback from the community on this project. Contact details are listed below.
For more information about the Middleborough Road Rail Separation Project, please contact the Community Information Line on 9246 1333.
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