The Australian Government of Victoria has announced that the next construction phase on the Toorak Road level crossing removal project will start next month.

Toorak Road’s level crossing in Kooyong is one of the 75 level crossings to be removed across Melbourne by 2025.

An average of 37,000 vehicles travel through the crossing daily, with boom gates down for 35% of the peak morning hour.

The project aims to improve safety and reduce congestion for people travelling to the Monash Freeway and CityLink through Toorak, Glenferrie and Tooronga roads.

Major work to be undertaken under this phase of the project will involve relocating underground services and utilities.

The crew will also start the foundation laying works for a new rail bridge over Toorak Road.

As part of the project, new public open spaces and pedestrian and cyclist connections will be created, as well as landscaping for the community.

Victoria Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said: “We are ramping up work at Toorak Road as we get on with removing this dangerous level crossing to make it easier and safer to get around.

“Whether it’s removing level crossings, building the Metro tunnel or upgrading suburban roads, we’re getting on with the projects we need to get Victorians where they need to go.”

The Toorak Road level crossing removal project is expected to be completed by 2021.

A consortium of Laing O’Rourke, Jacobs and Metro (MTM) was awarded a contract to deliver the rail bridge removal in June.