Regarding both the Kororoit creek and Melton grade separations, I notice the animation shows painted bike lanes, but maybe the construction should be used as an opportunity to segregate the bikeways. Also, I wonder if there should also be dedicated heavy vehicle lanes on Kororoit creek road and other places where heavy vehicle traffic is high.

In regards to the elevated rail.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egXS6HYHNnM

My favourite part of that news clip is when they cut straight from an engineer taking about how noise will be reduced, to a pollie who rebuts with hand motions

An update on the Reservoir level crossing removal: I was questioning the inclusion of improving that intersection, since the concept designs didn't show that connection between Edwardes Avenue and Broadway. Here is the reply I got from the LXRA.

"We know that improving the road network is important to the Reservoir community, so we're undertaking a robust and in-depth traffic assessment to help inform any future road network improvements. We've heard from the community that the inclusion of the connection between Edwardes and Broadway is a priority and we're investigating the impacts this inclusion would have on our design. We also understand this is an important link for a large amount of pedestrians who travel between the two sides of the Reservoir station precinct and activity centre. In the short term, we're getting on with the job of removing the level crossing, while protecting options for improving the road network in the future. " LXRA

So seems to me that there is currently only provision for the road link, but the LXRA are not quite sure to include it into their design until the traffic assessment are completed.

'Going for a quick cheep and nasty solution'

what would your party do mate!

The stars finally aligned and I had the opportunity to watch the skyrail machine to see how it actually erects a span. It's b*y impressive.

...

And the cycle starts again.

Excellent report. How long do you estimate the cycle takes?

I didn't stay for the complete cycle, and some of the activities can overlap on the Up and Down viaducts.

However, my guess would be around 8 hours.

Interestingly, one of the emails from the authority says that that will be doing around 1 to 2 spans per day. I'd assume each span is a pair of beams i.e. 2 to 4 beams placed per day. This matches well with my guess.

The rate will decrease as they get further from Murrumbeena due to the increased travel times.

The time the complete beam can be assembled, binded up, sealed, Inpected and signed off may be a limiting factor ?

LXRA have released this slick video of Drone footage of the CD9 project. It's pretty amazing what they have done so far and to think for the majority of the time the trains are running as they build it.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lPAUo-itrc

On a side note I noticed that the framework for escalators at (the new) Noble Park station have arrived on site.  The Clayton and Noble Park sections are well-advanced with embankments being built so that the the viaducts can be reached from ground level. I've also seen the new trackbed under the viaducts ready to be installed in the Noble Park area.

*Edit. I've just seen on the LXRA Facebook page that the escalators have been fitted from the ground to the platform level.

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/camp-road-boom-gates-to-go-by-christmas/

One more crossing will be gone by the end of the year. Major construction will start soon.

Just had a thought. Please excuse my ignorance as I am no expert in this field...

Would it be possible to recycle the infrastructure from the 50+ level crossing removals. Is this already being done? From what I remember from the media releases, the boom gates were held up by politicians then put somewhere else that I don't know. Anyway, the point is that there are still many unprotected crossings in Victoria, and perhaps on lines such as the Warrnambool, this disused crossing equipment could be re-porpoised.

Just had a thought. Please excuse my ignorance as I am no expert in this field...

Would it be possible to recycle the infrastructure from the 50+ level crossing removals. Is this already being done? From what I remember from the media releases, the boom gates were held up by politicians then put somewhere else that I don't know. Anyway, the point is that there are still many unprotected crossings in Victoria, and perhaps on lines such as the Warrnambool, this disused crossing equipment could be re-porpoised.

LXing lights, bells & booms are easily reused. Unfortunately, having these on hand doesn't make a new installation much easier. A lot of the expense is on-site costs: trenching, cabling, cabinet terminations, and installing/modifying track circuits.

Just had a thought. Please excuse my ignorance as I am no expert in this field...

Would it be possible to recycle the infrastructure from the 50+ level crossing removals. Is this already being done? From what I remember from the media releases, the boom gates were held up by politicians then put somewhere else that I don't know. Anyway, the point is that there are still many unprotected crossings in Victoria, and perhaps on lines such as the Warrnambool, this disused crossing equipment could be re-porpoised.

LXing lights, bells & booms are easily reused. Unfortunately, having these on hand doesn't make a new installation much easier. A lot of the expense is on-site costs: trenching, cabling, cabinet terminations, and installing/modifying track circuits.

Add to that, why would anyone want to use old savaged equipment on a brand new Installation.

The savaged equipment goes Into storage to be used to repair existing equipment of the same type/model.

Just had a thought. Please excuse my ignorance as I am no expert in this field... Would it be possible to recycle the infrastructure from the 50+ level crossing removals. Is this already being done? From what I remember from the media releases, the boom gates were held up by politicians then put somewhere else that I don't know. Anyway, the point is that there are still many unprotected crossings in Victoria, and perhaps on lines such as the Warrnambool, this disused crossing equipment could be re-porpoised.

LXing lights, bells & booms are easily reused. Unfortunately, having these on hand doesn't make a new installation much easier. A lot of the expense is on-site costs: trenching, cabling, cabinet terminations, and installing/modifying track circuits.

Add to that, why would anyone want to use old savaged equipment on a brand new Installation. The savaged equipment goes Into storage to be used to repair existing equipment of the same type/model.

Thank you for the information. It's a shame it costs so much to install level crossings.

Boom gates and flashing lights aren't expensive. The installation, provision of power and effective circuitry on a specific site, that is where the complexities lie, that is where the cost is. Remember, a lot of these unprotected crossings are effectively in the middle of nowhere. There isn't exactly a power point sitting on a post next to it that you can just plug the bells and lights into. It all needs to be done.

That's life.

If it was cheap and easy, I doubt there would be any unprotected level crossings.

G'day all,
I thought I'd stop at Camp Road on my way home to see the progress being made during the major shutdown. I took a few pics using my phone so don't expect outstanding quality. Unfortunately the attach picture function doesn't appear to be working for me so I have just posted links below.
I only got the chance to have a peek from the Sydney Road side but from what I could see, the trench digging is well advanced, and behind the Meadow Inn hotel they are quickly stockpiling large mounds of ballast and new concrete sleepers. Unfortunately from the angle of the pictures, I can't be sure if they are digging the cutting wide enough for 2 lines. Hopefully they are.
Cheers all.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/38493209851/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37606489525/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37778115964/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/26717567889/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/38493269741/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37606518935/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/38437580456/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37778171444/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/38461361922/in/dateposted-public/

G'day all,
I thought I'd stop at Camp Road on my way home to see the progress being made during the major shutdown. I took a few pics using my phone so don't expect outstanding quality. Unfortunately the attach picture function doesn't appear to be working for me so I have just posted links below.
I only got the chance to have a peek from the Sydney Road side but from what I could see, the trench digging is well advanced, and behind the Meadow Inn hotel they are quickly stockpiling large mounds of ballast and new concrete sleepers. Unfortunately from the angle of the pictures, I can't be sure if they are digging the cutting wide enough for 2 lines. Hopefully they are.

Level crossing removal authority are making sure theres enough room to add the extra track in at a later date at the camp Road grade seperation project.

Regarding the Melton overpass, one ommision from the design is provision for a U-turn under the east side of the flyover. This would replace right turns into nearby driveways and maybe at nearby intersections.

Not sure if this has already been mentioned, but could the end of the Lilydale line be duplicated when the Maroondah Highway and Manchester Road crossings get removed? You could just close the line past Mooroolbark whilst construction takes place, and get everything all done in one go.

According to http://vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/lilydale , the distance from Mooroolbark to Lilydale is 4.7km, which wouldn't take as long to duplicate as usual when the line is closed. The Cave Hill Road/Melba Avenue crossing could also be removed, but it isn't vital as it is only a local road.

Not sure if this has already been mentioned, but could the end of the Lilydale line be duplicated when the Maroondah Highway and Manchester Road crossings get removed? You could just close the line past Mooroolbark whilst construction takes place, and get everything all done in one go.

According to http://vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/lilydale , the distance from Mooroolbark to Lilydale is 4.7km, which wouldn't take as long to duplicate as usual when the line is closed. The Cave Hill Road/Melba Avenue crossing could also be removed, but it isn't vital as it is only a local road.

Manchester Rd and Maroondah Hwy are going to be removed together. Duplication between Mooroolbark and Lilydale at the same time is a strong possibility, although like most of these projects it depends heavily on the budget that is allocated. There have been a few cost-blowouts on the level crossing removal programs already so it also wouldn't surprise me if LXRA did a bit of scope-reduction.

As for running trains during works, the only crossover on the Ringwood-Lilydale section is at Mooroolbark and Manchester Rd level crossing is on the Up end of that station. Ergo, you can't run trains past Ringwood if you're removing the Manchester Rd and Maroondah Hwy level crossings in one shot. Well, technically you could with pilot working (one pilot for each track, running the line as a pair of bi-di lines out of Ringwood) but that would involve more brain damage than Metro and LXRA are wont to bear.

An update on Thompson Road level crossing removal, will be built the same way as Melton Highway. Build one bridge, then demolish level crossing and build the other bridge.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC34hyuq_CU&t=0s

Also Aviation road now has a confirmed schedule, starting in 2018, finish by 2020.

G'day all.
Just swung by Camp Road (Former) level crossing to take a few pics for an update on progress. The pedestrian access closure signs say no access until 6am 30/11/2017 and by the photos I took today, I think they are close to finishing it, although I couldn't see any sign of new track laid as yet. I saw a huge camera in the Red Rooster car park looking towards the works so I imagine you may see a time lapse video appearing shortly on the Level Crossings Youtube channel.
Cheers all.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/38692951641/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37804803635/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37804822055/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37804866535/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/37974811634/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/38636559006/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/26916896829/in/dateposted-public/

Not sure if this has already been mentioned, but could the end of the Lilydale line be duplicated when the Maroondah Highway and Manchester Road crossings get removed? You could just close the line past Mooroolbark whilst construction takes place, and get everything all done in one go.

According to http://vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/lilydale , the distance from Mooroolbark to Lilydale is 4.7km, which wouldn't take as long to duplicate as usual when the line is closed. The Cave Hill Road/Melba Avenue crossing could also be removed, but it isn't vital as it is only a local road.

Manchester Rd and Maroondah Hwy are going to be removed together. Duplication between Mooroolbark and Lilydale at the same time is a strong possibility, although like most of these projects it depends heavily on the budget that is allocated. There have been a few cost-blowouts on the level crossing removal programs already so it also wouldn't surprise me if LXRA did a bit of scope-reduction.

As for running trains during works, the only crossover on the Ringwood-Lilydale section is at Mooroolbark and Manchester Rd level crossing is on the Up end of that station. Ergo, you can't run trains past Ringwood if you're removing the Manchester Rd and Maroondah Hwy level crossings in one shot. Well, technically you could with pilot working (one pilot for each track, running the line as a pair of bi-di lines out of Ringwood) but that would involve more brain damage than Metro and LXRA are wont to bear.

The LXRA is exactly that - it removes level crossings.  It does not duplicate single track sections of 4.7 kms.  It is possible that both projects could be done at the same time, but not necessarily so.  In that event, whichever is done first must make allowance for the other.

There is a long term project for a Lilydale bypass of the Maroondah Highway.  My Melways shows it crossing the railway line near the existing Taylor Street-Melba Avenue crossing.  If this ever goes ahead, it would require a grade separation at that point.

With the Manchester Road removal, as the existing crossing is so close to the station, it would inevitably require a new/rebuilt station, possibly in a new location.  Rather than fiddle around with bi-directional running, it might be better to move the crossover further towards Ringwood, and to build temporary platforms (or at least one) near where the crossover is currently located.

Assuming that Mooroolbark station is operational (either as is or in its new form), there is no reason to close the line to Lilydale while the duplication is built.  Trains could continue to run on the existing track while the new one was built, as was done with the duplication between Ringwood and Croydon some years ago.

This is kinda not what I expected, the Aviation level crossing is confirmed to either be a road over or road under options, with rail options ruled out.

G'day all.
Dropped by the new bridge at Camp road to have a look to confirm if room was actually left for a second track. Looks a bit tight but certainly possible. Also noticed the work crews are working on the foundations for a new building in the cutting North of the bridge. It could be a new substation perhaps? What are your thoughts?
Doubtful it would be the reemergence of Campbellfield station!
Anyway, see links to photos below. Cheers all.
Original Campbellfield Station:
http://www.picturevictoria.vic.gov.au/site/moreland/miscellaneous/6496.html

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/27133884629/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/24045592037/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77885492@N04/38874693932/in/dateposted-public/

The LXRA is exactly that - it removes level crossings.  It does not duplicate single track sections of 4.7 kms.  It is possible that both projects could be done at the same time, but not necessarily so.  In that event, whichever is done first must make allowance for the other.

Apparenty the duplication near Rosanna is being taken as an opportunity to raise the railway over Lower Plenty road.

There is a long term project for a Lilydale bypass of the Maroondah Highway.  My Melways shows it crossing the railway line near the existing Taylor Street-Melba Avenue crossing.  If this ever goes ahead, it would require a grade separation at that point.

Apparently the railways runs uphill and then downhill through Cave Hill station, just before Lilydale. How about a tunnel through that big hill?

No comment on the rest.