More than 21,000 tonnes of soil have been removed so far as part of Melbourne’s Webster Street level crossing removal at Dandenong.
The project has reached a major milestone, with excavators digging a new road under the rail line creating a breakthrough.
The road underpass – connecting Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads – will open later this year, providing an alternative route across the rail line and taking trucks out of the Dandenong CBD.
The new road underpass will reduce congestion, deliver a more reliable road network, and prepare Dandenong for future development.
About 13 Olympic swimming pools of soil are being excavated to form the underpass.
The excavated soil is being donated to a quarry rehabilitation project in Harkaway, and cement-based materials – such as piling pads – are being sent to recycling partners for reuse.
Due to the proximity of the Dandenong Creek to the new underpass, specialised equipment is being used to safely remove groundwater and keep the site dry during the excavation.
Excavation will continue east of the rail line following the successful relocation of one of Melbourne’s major gas pipelines earlier this month.
