By Laura Michell
Upfield commuters are facing up to three-and-a-half months of public transport pain later this year as crews remove four level crossings along the train line.
A state government construction blitz will take place between July 28 and November 15 to remove the level crossings at Munro, Reynard and Bell streets and Moreland Road.
More than 1000 people will work around the clock to elevate to kilometres of rail line and build two stations.
But the works will mean buses will replace trains between Anstey and Upfield stations for most of the three-and-a-half months. Buses will also replace trains for the length of the line during the first and last weeks of works.
The state government says some bus services will be express, and a turnback facility at Anstey will allow trains to continue to run between Anstey and the city.
The buses will be closely monitored to manage passenger numbers and ensure they are regularly cleaned in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions.
Passengers are asked to practise good hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing when possible and avoid travelling if they are feeling unwell.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the Upfield line works were the biggest level crossing removal blitz in Victoria’s history.
Hume Freeway motorists will also face disruptions next week when the freeway is closed between Cooper Street and the Hume Highway from 9pm on Friday, June 12 to 5am on Monday, June 15 to enable crews to build a new interchange as part of the O’Herns Road upgrade.
“Building these projects is more important than ever, as we rebuild our economy and get people back to work,” Ms Allan said.
“I thank people for their patience and remind everyone to follow the health advice and only travel if you need to.”
For more details about the construction blitz, visit: bigbuild.vic.gov.au
