The new Ferris Road bridge has opened to traffic in Melton, removing the level crossing and delivering safer and more reliable journeys for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

The milestone follows a three-week construction blitz, with crews working around the clock to complete the road bridge and separated pedestrian and cycling path over the rail line.

The opening was celebrated with a procession of 24 vintage cars driven by members of the Western Vehicle Restorers Club, who were invited to be among the first to travel across the new bridge.

Among the classic cars given a sneak peek were a 1950 FX Holden ute, 1954 Holden FJ, Holden HD, Holden HT, Ford Customline, English Daimler, Morris Mini-Minor and Ford Zephyr.

The 16,000 drivers who previously used the congested level crossing each day can now safely travel over the busy rail line via the new road bridge, avoiding delays at the boom gates.

Melton will be level crossing free in September and the new Melton Station will open to passengers on Monday 1 September.

A works blitz will kick off next month, with crews working 24/7 to complete the new elevated station and rail bridge over Exford Road. Buses will replace trains on sections of the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines from Tuesday 12 August to Sunday 31 August.

When the boom gate-free Exford Road reopens, Coburns Road will temporarily close at the level crossing from Sunday 6 September to Wednesday 24 September to allow crews to remove the boom gates and reconstruct the road and footpath.

In total, 92 level crossings have been removed across Melbourne, making journeys safer and smoother by permanently separating trains from vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.