Two more dangerous and congested level crossings in Victoria are set to be permanently removed by 2023 following the awarding of a $631 million contract to Laing O’Rourke, Jacobs, Metro Trains Melbourne in partnership with the Level Crossing Removal Project.
With this contract award, the level crossings at Union Road in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road in Mont Albert are going to be removed and a new premium station to be built two years ahead of schedule.
“Awarding a contract takes us one step closer to making these death traps a thing of the past and we’re thrilled this project has been fast-tracked, creating hundreds of jobs and supporting local businesses along the way.
“With no more level crossings on the Lilydale line, journeys will be faster, local roads safer and deadly boom gate delays a distant memory,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
After an extensive community consultation phase, the design for the new premium station and precinct has been enhanced to now include a widened pedestrian bridge that forms a small plaza linking Beresford Street and the Hamilton Street shopping village.
The enhanced design will also deliver even more open space and house the existing Mont Albert station building – which is going to be retained for community use.
This project will also include a new entrance at Montrose Street to provide better access to the station and new open space with landscaping. It will also feature improved ramps with increased accessibility and fewer stairs.
Once up and running, the new premium station will provide more trains, more often for commuters from Surrey Hills, Mont Albert and surrounding areas. The station is also going to be staffed from the very first train in the morning until the last train service in the evening.
“Many Mont Albert residents have been calling for a plaza at the top end of Hamilton Street to provide home for the existing, heritage-listed Mont Albert station building and new community open space – and I’m pleased the design to remove these level crossings also delivers that,” Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer said.
To remove the level crossings at Union Road and Mont Albert Road, the rail line is going to be lowered in an open trench beneath the roads.
Early works are due to begin this month, including upgrading water infrastructure, relocation of underground services and establishment of site offices. Major construction to remove the two level crossings and build the new station is anticipated to begin next year.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Level Crossings Removal Project (1, 2, 3); Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline