Significant progress has been achieved on the Southern Program Alliance (SPA), as part of the Victoria Government’s commitment to remove 110 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2030.

Syd Phillips, Regional Manager Victoria, said ACCIONA’S achievements reflect the Alliance’s commitment to improving safety and connectivity.

“These milestones demonstrate the scale and complexity of the work being delivered under the Level Crossing Removal Project,” Mr Phillips said.

“Across the network, each package of work is designed to create safer, more accessible transport for communities.”

Recent highlights include the completion of the first stage of piling at the Newport package along the Werribee Line in Melbourne’s west. This involved drilling around 60 piles, some reaching depths of nearly 20 metres, and pouring approximately 1,100 cubic metres of concrete reinforced with 240 tonnes of steel.

At its peak, three piling rigs operated on site, including two LB45 rigs weighing 125 tonnes and standing 28 metres tall. The operation required more than 5,500 people-hours over 10 weeks.

On the Frankston Line, SPA has finished drilling 180 piles at Mordialloc and Aspendale, paving the way for major rail bridge works. Crews have poured the first pile cap at McDonald Street in Mordialloc, containing 130 cubic metres of concrete, and completed all six crossheads and piers for the Station Street rail bridge at Aspendale.

These foundations will support new rail-over-road bridges scheduled for completion in 2026.

SPA is successfully operating single-line running at Mordialloc and Newport. This allows the team to build the elevated viaduct structure alongside the existing train line while services continue.

At Mordialloc, trains are running from a single platform, so passengers can still catch the train during construction instead of transferring to buses – a first for the network. At Newport, station operations remain unaffected.

In Melbourne’s east, the final designs for the Boronia Station upgrade have been released. The modernised precinct will feature a striking canopy inspired by Dandenong Ranges flora, a widened concourse, improved pedestrian connections, and enhanced safety measures such as upgraded lighting and CCTV.

The station upgrade will also deliver new green spaces, improved cycling facilities and a pocket park near Boronia Junction Shopping Centre. Major works are scheduled to begin early next year, with completion expected in 2026.

Maria Koutsimpiris, SPA General Manager, emphasised the community benefits of these upgrades. “Every element of this program is focused on improving safety, reducing congestion and creating vibrant station precincts,” Ms Koutsimpiris said.

“The progress we are seeing now will deliver long-term benefits for passengers and local communities.”

SPA, which is made up of is made up of ACCIONA, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne and Level Crossing Removal Project, has:

• Successfully delivered several packages on the Frankston Line, with work progressing on further packages,
• Completed construction of the Kananook train stabling, maintenance and wash facility,
• Completed works on the Hurstbridge Lines and Melbourne Underground Rail Loop,
• Commenced works on the Werribee and Belgrave lines.

With further piling and structural works planned for early next year, SPA continues to play a critical role in transforming Victoria’s rail infrastructure and supporting future transport needs.