The Victorian Government is removing 18 level crossings and building 12 new stations, including Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach, as part of a $3 billion upgrade along the Frankston Line that will improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains to run more often.

It's a big year on the Frankston Line, with 5 more level crossings to be removed and 3 new stations open by the end of the year - months ahead of the original 2022 date.

Works are well underway to remove 5 dangerous and congested level crossings between Edithvale and Bonbeach by lowering sections of the Frankston Line into a rail trench.

Major construction will begin in mid 2021, when we need to close Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations so we can dig the rail trenches and begin building the new modern station precincts.

You can view the designs for the new Bonbeach Station precinct in this community update.

By late 2021, bayside locals will benefit from:

• less congestion and time stuck at the boom gates
• safer pedestrian and cyclist connections
• three new modern stations, with improved facilities
• more than 90,000 new trees and shrubs planted between Edithvale and Bonbeach
• upgraded key intersections and a more direct road network
• a more reliable train service

A big year for Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach

Our crews are working to prepare the area for major construction by relocating underground utilities and complete piling works to build strong foundations for the new stations and rail trench walls. Major construction will begin in mid 2021, when we need to close Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations so we can demolish the old buildings, ready for construction of the new modern stations, which will open later in the year.

In Spring, our major occupation will start with a 2-month closure of the Frankston Line between Mordialloc and Stony Point. Crews will work around the clock to excavate the rail trenches, build roads over the rail trenches, extend Thames Promenade to the Nepean Highway, lay new tracks and signalling, and complete the new stations – removing 5 level crossings for good.

During this time buses will replace trains on the Frankston Line and there will be temporary closures of level crossings for drivers and pedestrians with detours in place.

You can get in touch with the team if you have any questions about our upcoming works. You can call us on 1800 105 105 or email us via contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

We know pedestrian connections across the Frankston Line are important to the local community.

Our priority is to keep these open as much as possible throughout construction, however some closures will be unavoidable.

A new station designed for the community

By the end of this year, Bonbeach will be level crossing free, with safer road connections and the new modern station open to the community.

The new Bonbeach Station, which will be closer to Monica Avenue, has been designed to enhance connections around the area.

Improved bike facilities and walking and cycling connections will create more ways to access public transport, local shops, community facilities and the beach.

The designs are based on community feedback and capture the vibrant identity of the area.

The station design is a modern representation of the original landscape, with the use of natural materials and warm colours creating a coastal look and feel.

The station buildings reflect the dynamic coastal character of rolling sandy dunes and the unique textures and colours of the local vegetation.

The station canopy complements the Nepean Highway shopping precinct and the prominent signage marks the heart of the activity centre.

Easier access to station platforms and facilities

The new station has been designed to make it safer and easier to get to station platforms.

In Bonbeach, there will be 3 entry points on each side of the station via lifts, stairs and ramps.

Rail trench fast facts:

• Begins at Wellwood Road and ends at Breeze Street
• 900m-long
• 12m wide
• 6m deep
• Safety barriers and fence up to 2.75m high

Safer pedestrian connections

All pedestrian crossings over the Frankston Line will align with pedestrian connections across Nepean Highway and Station Street, creating easier and safer pedestrian access to local shops, the beach and public transport.

A new shared use path from Bonbeach to Edithvale will be built as part of the project. It is part of more than 11km of new shared use paths being built from Edithvale to Frankston as part of Frankston Line level crossing removals.

Safer, more accessible car parking

As part of our works, we’re making it safer and easier to access car parking around the area.

There will be new paths and upgraded pedestrian crossings on Nepean Highway and Station Street, which will improve connectivity between parking spaces, public transport, local shops and the beach. There will also be CCTV in commuter car parks areas and more lighting to create a safer station precinct.

The rail corridor through this section of track is very narrow, which means there is no room to provide more car spaces, however there will be no net loss of parking across Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach.

Landscaping and surrounds

Natural materials and warm coastal colours will be used in different ways around the station forecourt to enhance the beachside look and feel of the local area.

Forecourts and seating around the precinct will provide a comfortable and sheltered waiting space for passengers.

Planting and vegetation

Bonbeach locals have told us they want a mix of native trees, shrubs, flowering plants and grasses that extend the character of the local area.

A total of 240 trees and more than 20,000 plants and shrubs will be planted as part of landscaping plans for the new Bonbeach Station and surrounding precinct.

Working together to save native plants along the Frankston Line

We've been working closely with Kingston City Council to save native plants along the rail line in Edithvale and Bonbeach, prior to major works starting in 2021.

So far more than 200 plants that provide habitats for native animals and attract pollinating insects like butterflies, have been safely removed and taken to a specialised nursery until they can be replanted in nature reserves in Aspendale and Chelsea as part of revegetation projects.

Changes to the way you travel

As we continue to remove 5 more level crossings for good, there will be changes to how you move around the area.

We’ll make sure to give you as much notice as possible so you can plan your journey.

Upcoming disruptions

Rail

In mid 2021, we'll close Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations so we can begin digging the rail trench and building the new station precincts.

Replacement buses will connect Bonbeach locals to nearby stations during this time.

Buses will replace trains on the Frankston and Stony Point lines for 2 months in Spring.

You can plan your journey on the PTV website or call 1800 800 007.

Road

Until late 2021, there will be changed traffic conditions with some lane closures on Nepean Highway and Station Street from Aspendale to Bonbeach.

There will be various lane closures, car parking and access changes until late 2021 on Monica Avenue, York Street, Nepean Highway and Station Street, Bonbeach.

Bus Routes 706 to Mordialloc and 902 to Airport West will not service selected bus stops until early 2022.

Pedestrian and cyclist

There will be impacts to pedestrian crossings in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach until late 2021.

There will be on-going sections of bicycle lane closures along Station Street between Edithvale and Bonbeach until late 2021.

Project timeline

Early 2021

• Underground service relocations and upgrades continue
• Piling works for the foundations of the new stations and rail trench walls continue.

Mid 2021

• Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations to close and be demolished
• Major rail closure and 24/7 works to dig rail trenches, extend Thames Promenade to the Nepean Highway, lay new tracks and signalling and complete new stations

Late 2021

• New Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations open to the public
• Trains running in the new rail trench
• Five level crossings from Edithvale to Bonbeach gone for good

2022

• Landscaping and planting works complete

* Timeline subject to change

Health and Safety

The health and safety of our workers and community is our key priority as we continue works on the Frankston Line level crossing removal projects.

Other ways to keep in touch and stay informed:

• Text ECB to 0429 839 892 to sign up for alerts for major traffic and construction impacts
• Send us a private message on the Level Crossing Removal Project Facebook page
• Contact our call centre on 1800 105 105 or contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au