Thompsons Road Upgrade – Stage 1 Level Crossing Removal

Scope

The scope of work included:

• upgrading Thompsons Road to three lanes in each direction from Marriott Boulevard through to South Gippsland Highway
• removal of the Thompsons Road level crossing
• construction of two bridge structures over the railway line
• construction of 3 kilometres of shared walking and cycling footpaths, and installation of lighting along these paths
• major services relocations and infrastructure upgrades for power, Telstra, stormwater, sewer, drainage, VicTrack communications and signalling assets
• construction of a new road connection at Merinda Park Boulevard
• rail infrastructure and rail works including design of overhead traction wiring system modifications, management, planning and implementation of rail occupations
• landscaping works including spreading of 1,000m3 of recycled timber mulch and planting of 22,000 plants.

Outcomes

A road overpass was determined as the most feasible solution for the
Thompsons Road level crossing removal because of the considerable
groundwater challenges in the area. The team introduced a road-over-rail
solution for the grade separation, with Thompsons Road being constructed over the Cranbourne Rail Line. Two bridges were constructed separately with three lanes each in order to minimise disruption to road and rail users.

The project was ultimately delivered safely amongst the 26,000 vehicles travelling along Thompsons Road each day. In collaboration with the client and key stakeholders, BMD Constructions developed and implemented extensive traffic management plans to ensure minimal disruption to local businesses, residents, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians during these important works.