THE Frankston line will be closed from Caulfield to Moorabbin for a 37-day construction blitz to remove three level crossings.

The works, from June 24 to July 31, will see the level crossings removed by the start of August, six months ahead of schedule.

Buses will replace trains and commuters are being advised to allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes for their trips during that period.

Acting Premier James Merlino announced the construction blitz at the North Rd level crossing this morning.

“These (level crossings) are relics of the past and they’ve got to go,” Mr Merlino said.

“We apologise for the disruption but we don’t apologise for the progress that we are making.”

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the Level Crossing Removal Authority advised that the 37-day shutdown of the Frankston line would be better than confining major works to weekends.

About 1000 workers will be used every shift for around-the-clock works to finish the trenches and lower the tracks at North Rd, McKinnon Rd and Centre Rd.

Ms Allan said enough soil to fill the MCG would be removed during the works.

She said passengers should expect longer journey times while train services were suspended but said replacement buses would “broadly reflect” the train timetable.

The bulk of the work will be done during school holidays and Mr Merlino said surrounding roads would remain open.

Ms Allan said authorities would keep a close eye on the delivery of replacement services, and when asked if dedicated bus lanes could be temporarily implemented on Nepean Hwy, she said the government would “make adjustments where appropriate”.

Three new stations constructed as part of the works will open later in August.

Trains will also be replaced by buses on the Stony Point line from June 25 to July 31 because those trains will be unable to reach Southern Cross for maintenance.

Sections of the Belgrave-Lilydale line will be closed from July 2 to July 10 before major construction works there later this year.

tom.minear@news.com.au