Test trains run on Melbourne’s sky rail

The first test trains are now running on a new section of elevated rail running between the Melbourne stations of Dandenong and Westall.

The sky rail project is an initiative from the Victorian Government to remove 50 level crossings deemed dangerous.

Around 150 train drivers are being trained and familiarising themselves with the line.

Passenger trains are expected to start running on the new track from Thursday 15 February.

“These dangerous and congested level crossings have been holding us back for decades. Not anymore – the boom gates in Noble Park are gone,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

Three level crossings have been removed so far along the Pakenham/Cranbourne train line, with six more scheduled to be removed later this year.

“This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever delivered in Melbourne’s south east – and I want to thank the hard working team who have got this done,” Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.

“We’re not wasting a minute removing Melbourne’s worst level crossings. They’re dangerous, they’re congested and they stop us running more trains on our busiest line.”

Work crews are now beginning to remove the ground level tracks along eight hectares of space to increase the areas parkland and recreational space.