Vic demolishes deathtrap rail crossing

A rail line in Melbourne has been temporarily closed as the city removes the first of 50 deathtrap level crossings.

The multi-billion dollar level crossing removal Project has started with the closure of sections of the Glen Waverley line.

The line was closed on Saturday between Burnley and Darling stations to demolish parts of Gardiner Station platforms and buildings, and will reopen for the morning peak on Monday.

Acting Public Transport Minister Luke Donnellan said the closure was the start of a project that will remove 50 dangerous level crossings over eight years.

The road and train line closures would cause disruption to the communities affected, but were worth it, Mr Donnellan said.

"The temporary inconvenience these closures cause is nothing compared to the chronic disruption these congested death-traps cause every day, which is why we need to get rid of them as soon as possible," he said.

Information about road and railway line closures would be given to residents and passengers affected, he said.