First section of controversial Skyrail to open next month

The first section of Melbourne's controversial Skyrail will open to the public next month.

Premier Daniel Andrews said trains on the busy Dandenong line will start running along the elevated tracks at Noble Park from February 15.

"We've had a rusty, dangerous, fenced off corridor that has basically divided the community in two," he said.

"This will unite Noble Park and communities all along this line."

Boom gates at Heatherton Rd, Corrigan Road and Chandler Road will close for the last time on January 29, with buses to replace trains for two weeks between Westall and Dandenong to allow for final works on the elevated railway.

Critics of the project argue the rail line should have been moved underground, but that option was rejected by the government on the basis of cost and logistics.

Tracks along the viaduct have been laid on rubber lining, with sound barriers also being installed to help reduce noise.

Other sections of the Skyrail project between Dandenong and Caulfield are due to open later in the year.