A big lift for Blackburn Station

In a big win for Blackburn residents, the Victorian Government recently announced that lifts will feature in the revamped Blackburn station. The removal of the Blackburn level crossing includes improvements to the station in terms of access and shelters and now, thanks to some strong advocacy by the community, it also includes 2 lifts.

Working with the project team is a group of community representatives, including advocates from the Eastern Disability Advocacy Group and Nadrasca Disability services. The addition of lifts to the scope of works being delivered to the station has been on the group's agenda and they can now be congratulated on their passion for the cause.

The lifts complement other upgrade works at the station including extensive drainage works to remedy flooding in the underpass to a one in 100 year flood event. The entrances will be enhanced to allow in more natural light and the hand rail and spoon drain through the underpass will be removed to create a more usable width. Upgrades will also be made to CCTV and lighting to increase security.

The station forecourt areas will be upgraded to improve shelter, connections to local shops and businesses, access to car parks and bus interchange, and enhance the character of Blackburn Village. The existing playground and informal market areas will also be upgraded.

The existing ramp will remain at the central platform and a lift will be added, enabling users to catch a lift directly from the underpass up to the platform. A lift will also be included on the northern forecourt into the underpass. New stairs and Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) compliant ramps will provide access for all users at the southern and northern station entrances.

July works

This July the Blackburn Level Crossing Removal Project will undertake major works over the June-July school holidays. Please take the time to look over the information here to familiarise yourself with road closures and changes to how you travel.

We understand that there will be some inconvenience during this time and thank you for your patience while we work to make the level crossing a thing of the past.

Notification of works

We will always try to give reasonable notice to affected residents/traders of any works planned.

We acknowledge that at times we may need to change our work plans and make decisions in real-time for a variety of reasons. At these times we may not be able give advance notice of some works.

Support local

Remember to support your local businesses during this time. They are an important part of your community and would welcome your loyalty while the works are being done.

What you need to know

Blackburn Road closure

Blackburn Road will be closed at the level crossing from 8pm Friday 24 June until 5am Monday 11 July. Springvale and Middleborough Road are good alternative routes.

Changes to pedestrian access

From 8pm Friday 24 June until 5am Monday 11 July there will be no pedestrian access at the level crossing. Pedestrians can use the underpass at the station or the pedestrian crossing at Morton Park/Cottage Street to cross the tracks.

Belgrave/Lilydale train line disruptions

Buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave/Lilydale from Saturday 2 July to Sunday 10 July 2016. Normal train services will resume on Monday 11 July.

Customers travelling from Lilydale/Belgrave to Box Hill (and into the city), from Saturday 2 July to Sunday 10 July:

Train replacement bus services will be operating including limited express and stopping all station services from Lilydale/Belgrave to Box Hill. Trains will operate from Box Hill to the City

Customers travelling between Ringwood and Blackburn (and to Box Hill and into the city), from Monday 4 July to Friday 8 July

Express and a stopping all stations train replacement bus service will operate from Ringwood to Blackburn where trains will be operating to the city. This will help make the transition from buses to trains more seamless by dispersing some customers to Blackburn station and others at Box Hill Station.

Weekend travel

On Saturday 2 ,9 and Sunday 3, 10 July Buses replace trains between Box Hill and Belgrave/Lilydale. Limited express and stopping all station services train replacement buses will be in operation. All customers along this section of the line will need to get on a bus to Box Hill to catch a train to the city.

For journey planning, service and disruption information, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

South Parade drainage works

A comprehensive new drainage system will be installed to help protect the area, including the pedestrian underpass, against flooding. The diagram here shows where the drains will be installed.

The drains lie directly underneath the area between South Parade and the rail corridor. In order to do this work the area must first be cleared which means the removal of trees and vegetation. The project team has worked with designers and major service suppliers to come up with a way to keep as many of the trees as possible.

The area will look quite different while construction takes place and we ask that you to bear with us.

Sneak peek!

Over the coming months work will start on the Blackburn Station forecourt areas. On South Parade you will see many changes.

The project team has been working hard over the past few months to come up with a design for the area on South Parade that not only enhances the village atmosphere but also provides areas of cover for commuters and an open market area for the Blackburn Community Craft market.