One of Melbourne's most congested roads will become home to a half-kilometre long, nine-metre tall rail bridge.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Premier Daniel Andrews says Toorak Road at Kooyong, which is often closed by rail boom gates for about 35 per cent of the morning peak, will be freed up by the construction of an elevated train line.
Following a lot of engineering work, the finished product will be a "rail-over" or "sky rail" which will create new public space underneath," according to Mr Andrews, who also says about 9000 telecommunication cables meet underground at the site, ruling out subterranean works.
"The rail-over solution is the best way to go forward; it's the quickest, it's the simplest," Mr Andrews said on Wednesday.
"There's also some walking, cycling-track benefits ... a whole range of benefits."
Works are expected to take 18 months and be complete in 2021.
The bridge will be built off-set to the current rail line, meaning train services can continue during construction.
Mr Andrews said the road, which is a feeder to the Monash Freeway, needs to be as clear as possible to assist traffic movements and the current set up could hold back the number of train services using the line.
Victoria's Liberal-Nationals opposition have labelled the project ugly.
"Toorak Road level crossing removal should be done properly with rail under road, instead of more of their ugly sky rail," Opposition leader Michael O'Brien said.
Australian Associated Press
