The removal of four dangerous and congested level crossings and the construction of two new train stations in Victoria are set to get underway soon with a $542.4 million contract awarded to the alliance between John Holland, Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) and Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM).
The alliance will be removing the level crossings at Bell Street, Munro Street and Reynard Street in Coburg as well as at Moreland Road in Brunswick and build new modern stations in Coburg and Moreland.
“It is not just locals who want this level crossing gone. People from right across Melbourne get frustrated every time they travel through the northern suburbs and get stuck here.
“The contracts are now signed and our hardworking team will get on with the job of removing these four dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne’s north,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
The removal of the four level crossings will enable more trains to travel more often on the Upfield Line once the Metro Tunnel is completed.
This project will also include synchonising pedestrian crossing lights along the Upfield Bike Path with the nearby Sydney Road lights, which will help improve the flow of pedestrians and cyclists.
The new stations at Coburg and Moreland are going to be well connected to other transport options and will also be linked to separate bike and pedestrian paths.
The two stations will feature lifts and stairs for accessibility, a landscaped civic plaza and a total of 132 new bike parking slots.
The project will open up space the size of two MCGs along the 2.5-kilometre section of the Upfield Line and up to three times more trees planted along the corridor.
In addition, the new Moreland Station will have a bigger and better Moreland Station Reserve that will link both sides of the station precinct and it will include features such as barbecues, a nature playground, and an extensive planting and landscaped gardens.
Early works including investigative works and service relocations will be ramping up to prepare for major construction which will begin next year. The level crossings will be permanently gone by late 2020 and the open space will be ready for community use in 2021.
“I’m excited to soon see major works begin on this important project, making the area precincts safer and delivering new open space for locals to enjoy,” Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn said.
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Source: Premier of Victoria; Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)