Skye/Overton level crossing removal works to begin this year

The Andrews Labor Government has revealed that works to remove the Skye/Overton Road level crossing will begin later this year, months ahead of schedule.

Originally, the project was not planned to start construction until 2018. With the new timeline, the Government is expecting the project to be complete by the end of 2018.

The Skye/Overton Road level crossing is recognised as one of the most dangerous and congested crossings in the state, with statistics showing that it’s boom gates are down for a quarter of the morning peak each day. As well as this, there have been three reported accidents in the past ten years at the crossing.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan spoke of the Government’s commitment to removing level crossings across Victoria.

“We’re fast tracking this crossing to reduce congestion and make Frankston safer, sooner.”

“We’re getting rid of more dangerous level crossings than any government in Victoria’s history – ten are already gone, ten are underway and the fast-tracking of this crossing means eight more removals will start this year.”

To remove the crossing, a new rail bridge will be built over Skye/Overton road. The State Government had explored other options, such as lowering the existing rail line, however this was not deemed suitable for the project.

The plans for the rail bridge include several improvements to the Skye/Overton Road and Dandenong Road West junction, with the upgrades aiming to drastically improve traffic flow between the Frankston Freeway, central Frankston and the surrounding industrial and retail precincts.

In the next few months community feedback will be sought on changes to the roads and the local station, with the State Government hoping to announce a preferred contractor and final plan by the middle of 2017.

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