Eight concrete Super T-beams have been lifted into place at Deer Park as major works continue on the new Deer Park Station and the removal of the dangerous and congested Mt Derrimut Road level crossing.
The 40-tonne, Victorian-made beams were installed onto concrete columns in stages using 2 giant cranes, with work taking place over 2 nights to minimise disruption to traffic.
The beams will provide support for the elevated station platforms above a walkway that will connect commuters to the station from both sides of the rail line. The platforms will be accessible via lifts, stairs and ramps. A 1.2km rail bridge will raise the rail 5.4 metres over Mt Derrimut Road.
Super Ts have been used in Australian bridge-building for more than 20 years. They are suitable for long spans up to 35 metres, making them ideal for road and rail bridges and platforms. Deer Park’s beams weigh around 40 tonnes each and come in 2 different T shapes.
The construction crew is now more than halfway to completing 58 foundation piles, created by drilling holes up to 8.3 metres deep. These will form the base of the columns that support the Super T-beams, which in turn will support the station buildings and concrete troughs that will contain the train tracks.
In 2024 the Deer Park community will say goodbye to the level crossing and hello to their new station, which will have a bus interchange, pedestrian and cycling paths and upgraded passenger facilities, including a waiting room, bathrooms and secure bike parking.
Removing the level crossing – where boom gates can be down for 60% of the morning peak – will ease delays for the 23,000 vehicles that pass through the crossing every day and will make the Geelong and Ballarat lines level crossing free between Deer Park and the CBD.
The Victorian Government has announced another 4 level crossings will go on the Ballarat Line at Coburns Road, Exford Road and Ferris Road, Melton and Hopkins Road, Truganina. This will boost safety and make Melton level crossing free.
