Melton’s level-crossing removal project has marked a major milestone with a special memento as the 1000th U-trough was recently installed west of Coburns Road.
The engineering innovation has become key to many removals of congested level crossings across the state and was celebrated by crews who created a stencilled memento in recognition of the thousands of workers who have helped deliver and install the mammoth concrete segments on projects across Melbourne.
U-troughs are precast concrete structures which form the superstructure for elevated rail bridges and allow trains to run above roads.
In an Australian first, the U-troughs have been designed specifically for the level crossing removal project and are now widely used across Victoria’s Big Build projects.
Deputy program director Ian Ransley said the bespoke structures now form an integral part of the level crossing removal project across the state.
“I never imagined it would become such a defining feature of many of the level crossing removal projects that we deliver today,” he said.
Mr Ransley said the U-troughs have helped make the rail network both safer and quieter, while also transforming the way people live, work and travel.
Senior project engineer Ben Bartlett, who was on site for the installation of the 1000th U-trough at Melton, said it was amazing to see them used in so many places to remove level crossings.
“It’s a really impressive legacy. It’s certainly something I will be taking kids back to in the future to show them what a wonderful thing I have worked on,” he said.
Construction is underway in Melton, with all four boom gates set to be removed and the new Melton Station to open this year.
