In 2014 the Victorian Government announced it would remove 50 of the most dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne by 2022. In 2022 this was increased to 110 level crossings to be removed by 2030.
The Southern Program Alliance (SPA) is delivering major rail infrastructure upgrades as part of the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project.
The program aims to remove 110 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2030, improving safety, reducing congestion, and creating better connections across Melbourne.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: South-eastern Melbourne suburbs along the Frankston Line, Hurstbridge Line, Melbourne Underground Rail Loop, Werribee Line.
- Contract type: Joint Venture Alliance comprising of ACCIONA (Constructor), WSP (Designer), MTM (Rail Operator), and the Level Crossing Removal Project (Client).
- Project value: AUD$4.93 billion (as of Nov 2025).
Key Achievements
- Removal of multiple level crossings across Melbourne’s south, north-east, and west
- Construction of modern stations and revitalised precincts
- Delivery of shared-use paths, community spaces, and improved connectivity
- Sustainability leadership with Green Star ratings and ISCA design excellence
- Increased train capacity to support Metro Tunnel opening in late 2025
Major Works Packages
Completed
- Seaford & Carrum (2017–2020) – $588m
- Removed four crossings, built elevated Carrum Station, new stabling yard, and community spaces.
- Mentone & Cheltenham (2019–2021) – $536m
- Removed three crossings via rail trenches, built new stations, heritage deck, multilevel carpark, and shared-use path.
- Edithvale, Chelsea & Bonbeach (2019–2022) – $744m
- Removed five crossings, built three new stations, extended shared-use paths.
- Achieved 6-star Green Star rating for Edithvale Station.
- Hurstbridge Line Duplication (2021–2023) – $530m
- Duplicated 3.5km of track, built new stations at Greensborough and
- Montmorency, upgraded stabling and signalling.
- Glen Huntly (2021–2024) – $507m
- Removed two crossings via rail trench, built new Glen Huntly Station, pocket park, and upgraded Caulfield junction.
- Melbourne Underground Rail Loop (2022–2024) – $319m
- Upgraded fire systems, smoke detection, extraction, sprinklers, and lighting at
- Parliament, Melbourne Central, and Flagstaff stations.
- Parkdale (2022–2025) – $450m
- Built 1.2km rail-over-road bridge and elevated Parkdale Station, delivered new community spaces including gym, playground, and green areas.
In Progress
- Kananook Stabling Yard Stage 2 (2023–2025) – $353m
- Expanding yard capacity from 8 to 21 trains, adding maintenance shed and wash facilities.
- Mordialloc & Aspendale (2024–2026) – $531m
- Removing two crossings via rail-over-road bridges, building new elevated
- Mordialloc Station, and creating vibrant precinct.
- Boronia Upgrade (2025–2026) – $60m
- New landscaped plaza, pedestrian crossing, improved station facilities, lighting, and CCTV.
- Newport (2024–2026) – $369m
- Removing two crossings via rail-over-road bridges, extending Akuna Drive, and building pedestrian/cycling bridge.
Sustainability and Community
- Green Star ratings for multiple stations
- ISCA Design score of 92 for Edithvale, Chelsea, and Bonbeach package
- Use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs
- Indigenous design elements integrated into station precincts
- Creation of new open spaces, playgrounds, and shared-use paths
Benefits
- Safer and more reliable transport network
- Modern stations and improved commuter experience
- Better connections for pedestrians and cyclists
- Increased train capacity and operational efficiency
- Enhanced sustainability and community outcomes