The Somerville to Baxter Trail budget has risen to $8.512 million after Mornington Peninsula Shire approved additional funding for an underpass beneath Frankston–Flinders Road.
At its 27 October meeting, councillors unanimously approved an $820,283 increase, excluding GST, to the existing construction contract. The underpass near Hawkins Road is the remaining major obstacle to opening the full walking and cycling link.
How much will the Somerville to Baxter Trail cost?
According to the council minutes and officer’s report, the project faces a $662,000 funding shortfall. Council approved the reallocation of $312,000 from its Capital Works Program. It also set aside up to $350,000 from its operating budget for a proposed 10-year maintenance contribution to the Department of Transport and Planning.
The contract increase exceeds the funding shortfall because the existing project budget can cover part of the extra construction cost. The approved funding lifts the overall budget from $7.85 million to $8.512 million. Shire officers have asked the department to review the proposed maintenance fee.
Why an underpass instead of traffic lights?
Council initially proposed pedestrian-operated signals beside the Stony Point rail crossing. However, Metro Trains Melbourne advised that integrating those signals would require rail upgrades costing an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million.
An underpass became the preferred option after a traffic engineering review. Its detailed design later revealed additional requirements for groundwater management, retaining walls and service relocations.
When will the Somerville to Baxter Trail open?
Council expects underpass construction to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for the first half of 2027. This remains a projected timeframe, not a confirmed opening date.
The Shire has also prepared an application to extend the project’s Growing Suburbs Fund grant deadline. Its report warns that further delays could put access to that funding at risk.
The northern 1.2-kilometre section opened earlier this year, as STPL News reported in March. The complete 4.6-kilometre link will connect Somerville and Baxter as part of the wider Peninsula Trail network.
