NEWS DESK
Line shutdown ‘pain’ on way Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au FRANKSTON line commuters face short-term travel pain for long-term gain with sections of the railway tracks set to be closed for weeks on end while level crossings are removed. Eleven level crossings along the Frankston line are earmarked to have their intersection between road and rail separated to stop traffic delays and allow Metro Trains to eventually run more train services. The Bentleigh, Ormond and Mc-
removals, has admitted there will be “significant disruption” at every one of the 50 level crossings to be removed over the next eight years across the state’s rail network. Labor has promised to separate 20 road and rail intersections during its first four-year term in government. Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan says the disruption is necessary to deliver safer and more accessible train stations and ease traffic snarls at level crossings. “We’re getting on with the job of removing these congested death traps to reduce congestion, save lives and
Kinnon stations will be demolished and rebuilt from November next year and are expected to reopen in February 2017. Trains will run between Frankston and Moorabbin stations during a planned 34-day line shutdown near the three stations. Passengers heading into Melbourne will be forced to take buses from Moorabbin train station to Glenhuntley station and also make a swap to bus travel on the way back from Melbourne. The Level Crossing Removal Authority, tasked by the Labor state government to oversee the level crossings
allow us to run more trains.” The eleven Frankston line crossings to be removed are: North Rd (Ormond), Balcombe Rd (Mentone), Centre Rd (Bentleigh), Charman Rd (Cheltenham), Edithvale Rd (Edithvale), Eel Race Rd (Carrum), McKinnon Rd (McKinnon), Seaford Rd (Seaford), Skye Rd (Frankston), Station St (Bonbeach), Station St (Carrum). The Andrews government has not yet confirmed when the other eight Frankston line level crossings are due to be removed, forcing further rail line closures while works are carried out.
VicRoads looks into sinkhole repair A BLOCKED drain caused a sink hole to develop outside Frankston Hospital at about 3pm last Tuesday afternoon (28 July). Initially, an ambulance with flashing lights was deployed to stop cars driving into the hole before VicRoads cordoned it off. During repairs, VicRoads cut the speed limit to 40kph and closed the westbound left lane of Frankston-Flinders Rd. The hole was filled with crushed rock and the road re-opened about the same time next day. “The cause of the cavity was blocked underground drainage,” VicRoads metro south east director of operations Michael Barker said. “We would like to thank road users for their patience as repairs were undertaken, and the Frankston Hospital for their cooperation.” Sinking feeling: VicRoads checks out the hole outside Frankston Hospital. Picture: Gary Sissons
Underage cigs sales crackdown FRANKSTON tobacco retailers failed the proof-of-age test last month. When council officers conducted 45 test-purchases, 10 were made to children. Breaching the law is costly: Penalty infringements of $607 were issued to those selling cigarettes to minors. Mayor Sandra Mayer described the results as “extremely disappointing”. “Test purchasing is about ensuring tobacco retailers ask for proof of age when young people are attempting to buy cigarettes,” she said. “Last year, across two testing periods, 98 test purchases took place with just one sale to a minor, meaning this year’s results are extremely disappointing.” Cr Mayer said research showed 80 per cent of long-term smokers picked up the habit as children. She issued a stern warning to retailers who sell cigarettes to minors. “This is a program we run regularly and we are fully prepared to take those who don’t learn their lesson directly to the Frankston Magistrates’ Court. “Fines of up to $36,360 for a person and $181,800 for a company can be imposed, and retailers can lose their right to sell tobacco.” Anyone with concerns over a retailer selling cigarettes to a person under 18 years of age should phone Council’s Environmental Health team on 9768 1317. The test purchasing program is part of a wider campaign to clamp down on illegal tobacco sales.
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