Tara Murray
Site investigations near the Calder Park Drive and Holden Road level crossings have started.
The state government announced in July it would remove the Calder Park Drive level crossing by 2025.
As part of the works, the nearby Holden Road crossing at Diggers Rest will be closed, easing congestion and boosting safety in the area.
The investigation works that are underway may include localised drilling through the ground in various locations along the rail line and road reserve to investigate soil, rock, and groundwater conditions.
These investigations will assist the level crossing removal team in locating where underground utilities lie.
The works are not expected to be disruptive, however some activity and construction related noise may be noticeable from machinery.
They will mostly occur between 7am to 5pm on weekdays and run until May 2022.
The Calder Park Drive crossing is one of the most congested on the Sunbury line, according to the government.
State government data shows 11,000 vehicles travel through the crossing each day, with boom gates down for up to 21 per cent of the morning peak.
The government expects the amount of time the boom gates are down to increase when more trains run on the line when the Metro Tunnel opens.
