The awarding of contracts for the level crossing removal works in Melton means construction can commence at the end of the year.
Two companies – joint venture John Holland and Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) and Fulton Hogan – have been tasked with getting rid of the four boom gates in the area that create considerable congestion.
They will work with Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line, and the Level Crossing Removal Project.
John Holland and KBR will remove the crossings at Coburns Road and Exford Road, as well as build the new Melton station.
New rail bridges and an elevated station will be built here, while on Ferris Road and Hopkins Road, road bridges will be built by Fulton Hogan to take traffic over the railway.
Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch welcomed the progress.
“Removing the level crossing at Hopkins Road, Truganina will improve safety, ease congestion and ensure locals never have to get stuck at these frustrating boom gates again,” she said.
The new Melton station will be accessible from both sides of the rail line with a pedestrian walkway, lifts and stairs, and pick-up and drop-off zones.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said life was about to get easier for more than 73,000 commuters every day and thanked those who had contributed.
“We thank everyone who had their say on this important project that will transform how we move around Melton – making our roads less congested and our train services more reliable.”
Boom gates can be down for almost half an hour during the morning peak.
It is expected that all work will be complete by 2026, which is two years ahead of schedule.
