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Essendon Flyover
Line: Geelong
Distance from Melbourne: 2.695km
Track Diagram: View
Google Map: View
Opened: Friday, 20 January 1922
The Essendon Flyover was opened in 1922 when an extra pair of tracks was provided for Essendon line trains (now Craigieburn) from Kensington to Spencer Street, as part of the electrification of the Melbourne suburban network. The flyover allowed suburban trains (using the western side of Spencer Street Station) to avoid conflicting moves with country trains (from the eastern side).
As originally constructed it consisted of four tracks crossing towards Essendon running over the top of four tracks towards South Kensington. The tracks on top consisted of a pair for passenger traffic, and a pair for freight traffic to Melbourne Yard.
In 1986 the flyover was rebuilt with only two tracks, with new concrete spans on the existing abutments. The two sets of lines were altered to merge on the North Melbourne side of the bridge, the pair of goods lines was removed due to the reduced use of Melbourne Yard, and the alternate route of the Albion - Jacana freight line and the Bunbury Street tunnel existing.
Events
Line Opened
| Monday, 17 January 1859 | Williamstown line finally completed to Melbourne. Geelong trains can now operate direct to Spencer Street Station |
Track Amplified
| Friday, 20 January 1922 | Line amplified to six tracks Southern Cross to Essendon Flyover |