By Mikayla van Loon
After a mandated shutdown of construction and Covid-19 scares, the new dates for completion for the Lilydale and Mooroolbark level crossings have been decided.
Both projects should now be finished by Wednesday 17 November, with crews working around the clock to ensure this target is reached.
Level Crossing Removal Projects (LXRP) had to push the completion dates out from the original finish date of 25 October due to the two week halt placed on construction.
“The project is progressing well, despite the two-week construction shutdown, and we are on track to ensure the two dangerous and congested level crossings are a thing of the past,” LXRP program director Steve Brown said.
The date was further impacted by Covid-19 cases which began to appear on 15 September at the Lilydale crossing.
On Thursday 14 October, more cases appeared at the level crossing removal projects but this did not interrupt work.
Two workers at the Maroondah Highway and Manchester Road level crossing projects tested positive to Covid-19 but CovidSafe measures ensured those people were quickly identified to notify close contacts and carry out deep clean.
“Strict CovidSafe protocols are in place at every Level Crossing Removal Project work site, in line with the Chief Health Officer’s orders. This includes the requirement that all staff working at our sites have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose,” an LXRP spokesperson said.
With staff still able to keep the momentum going, works have been progressing quite rapidly and the new stations are taking shape.
The new rail bridges at each site have been completed, with 92 beams lifted into place above Manchester Road and Maroondah Highway.
The road has also been lowered by one metre at the Maroondah Highway project to ensure the appropriate clearance is met for vehicles travelling through the intersection.
Visually the new stations and platforms can now be seen, with the station buildings and platform canopies installed.
Crews have also installed the steel decks for the new station platforms at both sites, which when finished, will include new stairwells, lifts, lighting, and CCTV.
By the time 17 November rolls around, 60,000 trees, shrubs and grasses will have also been planted at the stations.
“When this project is completed the Mooroolbark and Lilydale communities will have access to world class train station facilities with undercover areas, lifts, stairs and new open space for locals to enjoy and importantly, the two dangerous and congested level crossings will be a thing of the past,” Mr Brown said.
The existing stations will remain closed and buses will continue to replace trains between Ringwood and Lilydale until Tuesday 16 November.
Local road closures will also remain in place during this time and road users are asked to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
