THE FIRST elevated beams that will create a sky rail along the Cranbourne and Pakenham train lines have been put in place.

Premier Daniel Andrews visited Noble Park to see progress made on the controversial project, which will see sections of track elevated to three storeys above the ground in order to remove nine level crossings.

The first “super T” beams were lifted into place by 200 tonne cranes and will support new track and stations.

Trains are continuing to run as the work is done, with more than 360 beams to be erected.

Construction is set to be finished by the end of next year.

Mr Andrews said once completed, the $1.6 billion project would remove all level crossings along Melbourne’s busiest rail line, meaning more trains and less congestion for motorists.

He said the extra open space created as part of the project would transform the area and mean a better connected community.

“The massive project is creating thousands of jobs here in Melbourne’s south east, and all over Victoria,” he said.