Skye/ Overton Frankston community update - February 2019

We’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your patience and understanding as we farewelled the level crossing at Skye/Overton Road and welcomed passengers to the new Frankston Station.

You’ve told us that these two projects have produced immediate positive results, with no more lengthy delays at the Skye/Overton boom gates and improved facilities at Frankston Station meaning more people are choosing to use the station. Five level crossings have already been removed on the Frankston line, with another 13 more to be removed by 2025.

The 20th level crossing to go

Works began in 2017, and a major road and rail occupation in 2018 saw our 20th level crossing at Skye/Overton Road removed for good.

From grey to garden

The elevated design opened up the space under the rail bridge to create a colourful community space. The new space includes 1200 metres of shared use path and over 9000 square metres of landscaped garden beds. Australian natives – including silver banksia and eucalyptus – accounted for over 95 per cent of plants used, sourced from Australia’s largest social enterprise nursery, Yarra View Nursery.

A long and winding road

While most of the works took place on site, some key contributions travelled a long way. Twenty-four prefabricated U-trough beams came all the way from Kilmore to be used to construct the new rail bridges. The U-troughs are the structures that enclose the tracks along the elevation.

This was a logistical challenge with each beam weighing 280 tonnes and being delivered by trucks travelling at an average speed of 20 kilometres per hour. Their movement was scheduled through the night to reduce traffic impacts and all 24 beams arrived safely on site.

We chose prefabricated U-troughs to reduce construction disruptions around the site and to keep trains running as long as possible as we built the rail bridge.

Easing congestion and improving safety

Improved safety and traffic flow is one of our key focuses in removing level crossings. We installed a new pedestrian crossing directly outside Kananook Primary School

to allow students and others to safely cross to meet Wells Road bus services. We also installed new street lighting along the shared use path to create a welcoming place to walk and ride.

The new Frankston Station

Announced in early 2017 as the centrepiece project of the Victorian Government’s Frankston Station Precinct Redevelopment, work started in May 2018.

We wasted no time in getting straight to work minutes after the last passengers departed the station on Thursday 3 May 2018. To get commuters back on the rails as quickly as possible, we returned trains on 18 June 2018 with station facilities operating from temporary buildings in the Fletcher Road car park.

This meant we could continue building the station with trains running until completion in October 2018. Landscaping works during November and December 2018 completed the new Frankston Station.

Better for everyone

The new design replaced the old station with a much needed modern, safe and more accessible experience for commuters, including:

• new station buildings and waiting rooms
• raised platform surfaces
• better access for people with a disability
• improved lighting, hearing loops and security cameras
• platform seating and passenger toilets.

A winning design

The new Frankston Station is the result of an international design competition run by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect in partnership with Transport for Victoria.

Melbourne-based firm Genton Architecture won with a design featuring a translucent canopy and screens, allowing natural light and airflow to the station platforms. Genton worked with the project team to refine the design and achieve the outcome you see today.

A word from the Station Master

Ashley Joseph has been the Station Master at Frankston Station for 18 years.

“The station is such an improvement on what we had,” Ashley says.

“The modern facilities and design is welcoming, offering a passenger transport hub that is not only eye catching but also provides improved safety and connectivity."

“Not only does the design take into account public amenity, but the fit out also took the requirements of the staff in mind."

“It’s a sign that Frankston Station has really been established as a landmark in the community.”

We're glad you love your new station Ashley!

What you think of the new station and level crossing removal

Since the completion of both these projects, we’ve had some great feedback. Here’s just a sample of what we’ve heard:

‘Thank gosh it’s gone, what a nightmare the level crossing was.’ – Lauren

‘Awesome work team.’ – Trevor

‘The new station is great! And it’s great for Frankston.’ – Will

A ‘U-trough sized’ thank you

Frankston, thanks for your patience. Your feedback says the removal of the Skye/Overton Road level crossing is already easing congestion and making the area safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. We’re glad you’re enjoying the new Frankston Station, and trust it is making your journeys safer and more comfortable.

More improvements are coming along the Frankston line, with level crossing removals at Eel Race Road and Station Street in Carrum, and Charman and Park Roads in Cheltenham currently in construction.

We thank you, the Frankston community, for your patience and understanding as we delivered these two projects for you.

The 2015-2018 journey

Skye/Overton Road level crossing removal