The next major phase of works at the Reservoir level crossing removal site is now underway.

The High Street intersection has been closed to traffic at the level crossing and will reopen in late December.

During this time construction crews will reconfigure the road and build two, 185-metre-long steel bridge segments over the intersection.

On average, 36,000 vehicles travel through the notorious Reservoir level crossing every weekday, where High Street, Cheddar Road and Spring Street intersect.

The six boom gates at this intersection can be down for 24 minutes during the two-hour morning peak.

In the past decade there were three recorded collisions, one fatality and 26 near misses at the level crossing. This includes a collision between a train and car earlier this year.

The Reservoir level crossing removal and new station are scheduled to be complete in 2020.

Raising the rail line over the road will offer the opportunity to develop public open space below and beside the rail bridge, including walking and cycling paths, landscaping and a public plaza for the community.

Work to improve safety and deliver more trains on the Mernda line, used by 33,000 passengers each weekday, is continuing with another four level crossing removals and new stations at Bell and Preston planned.

During the intersection closure, locals will be able to watch the bridge take shape from a range of public viewing areas.