By Mitchell Clarke
The removal of the Cardinia Road level crossing is progressing at “lightning speed” and has just entered the next phase of major works.
A temporary road has been built on the eastern side of Cardinia Road to allow construction to continue within the existing road reserve on the western side, by minimising disruptions to motorists and Pakenham line commuters.
A piling rig, which drives piles into soil, and a 60T crawler crane has been implemented to prepare the site for bridge foundations, with piling works to continue into next year.
Bulk excavation on the north and south of the crossing is required to remove poor quality ‘silty clay’ material, replacing it with a higher quality mudstone, to ensure the new road won’t cause any settlement.
Major construction works to remove the dangerous crossing began in late October and authorities remain more than confident the fast-tracked project will be completed by the 2021 completion date.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale met with Level Crossing Removal workers at Cardinia Road on Wednesday 11 December to tour the site.
“They’re really powering through the works. I was only there a couple of weeks ago and to see what they’ve done in such a short time is amazing,” Ms Crugnale said.
“It’s amazing to see how a project of this magnitude can happen. The pace of works is quite phenomenal – it’s progressing at lightning speed.”
Currently, the project has employed about 60 people, with more expected when construction of the bridge commences in 2020.
Cardinia Road is one of 17 level crossings to be removed on the Pakenham line and will be replaced by a road bridge over the rail line.
“This is the first of the four (to be removed) for Pakenham,” Ms Crugnale added.
“It’s a stand-alone project we have started as we plan out the other three including a new big station and third platform for the Gippsland line.”
Congested level crossings at Racecourse Road, McGregor Road and Main Street level crossings will all be replaced with a rail over road design by 2025.
