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Work begins on new M80 trail segment

The Melbourne Airport Rail project has started work on a new section of trail along the Western Ring Road, an early step in the project to connect Melbourne Airport to the city by rail.

The new trail segment, between Westfield Drive and the Steel Creek gully, will re-align the M80 Trail closer to the freight line.

The move is part of a series of complex dance steps to move six massive electricity transmission towers to make space to build Melbourne Airport Rail.

The airport rail structure has to be elevated to cross the M80 towards the airport, and as a consequence the transmission wires have to be lifted higher to allow space for the trains that will pass underneath.

The existing M80 path is in the way of the construction zone for the new, higher towers, hence the realignment.

The work will be on going to mid 2023.

Work hours will be from 7am - 6pm, Monday to Friday and 7am - 1pm, Saturdays

Sections of the existing M80 shared use path will be closed during construction.

Traffic controllers and signage will be in place at times to assist with pedestrian, cycling and vehicle movements.

There has been recent cracking and damage to the existing trail through the area, which should be repaired soon, but take care through the area.

Works will include:

  • Construction of new shared use path
  • Establishing site compounds, construction access tracks and hardstand areas for machinery to operate safely Installing fencing to protect environmentally sensitive areas
  • Piling works to create foundations for the new towers Building and installing the new towers, involving cranes and other construction equipment
  • Power line stringing, followed by decommissioning and removal of the old towers

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