Counting down to boom gates gone

These level crossings are 2 of Melbourne’s worst: the level crossing at Union Road was the site of a tragic incident in 2016 that resulted in 2 fatalities, and there have been at least 8 near misses at these crossings since 2005.

Major works ramped up at the start of this year and we’re on track to remove these dangerous level crossings in 2023.

We’ve moved a huge number of critical utilities out of the way of the trench excavation and upgraded them at the same time. Replacing the old sewers, water mains and drains in the local streets around the project means these critical services will need less maintenance in the future.

We’ve also started installing the first sections of the new Union Station. Foundations are done for the first of the buildings, and we'll start craning the prebuilt station modules into position in October.

Over the next few months, we will continue building the trench walls and relocating utilities.

Our final major construction blitz will start early next year and by mid 2023, the 2 dangerous and congested level crossings will be gone for good and the new Union Station will be open.

Why these level crossings need to go

• 22,000 vehicles use these 2 level crossings each day
• Boom gates down for 40% of the morning peak
• 61 trains travel through these crossings during the morning peak
• No level crossings between Ringwood and the city will mean less train delays
• 2 fatalities and at least 8 near-misses at these crossings since 2005

Support your local traders

The Stamp Me loyalty program is picking up speed as part of our ongoing trader support program.

With over 3000 registrations, residents and visitors have collected more than 13,000 stamps and redeemed over $35,000 shopping at Mont Albert Village and Union Road traders.

Users are able to collect stamps and use vouchers with the 47 participating local businesses at Mont Albert Village and Union Road – including professional services, cafés, chemists, grocery stores, and more.

Signing up is easy, download the Stamp Me app and click the '+' icon to search for Mont Albert Village Traders and Union Road Surrey Hills.

Progress in numbers

• 25% of all piling complete
• 78 water tank units installed
• 520 metres of drainage installed

New station buildings are on their way

The pieces are coming together at Surrey Hills and Mont Albert.

To reduce construction time, we're constructing the station buildings off-site so they can be delivered to site and craned into place.

The first buildings are arriving on site this month and will be installed in Lorne Parade Reserve before Christmas.

Your sustainable Union Station

We’re implementing green initiatives at the new Union Station. Solar power, rainwater collection, new planting and landscaping, and sensor technology will ensure an eco-friendly station for years to come.

Key features:

• 70 kilowatts of solar panels, one of the largest arrays of solar panels in the Melbourne metropolitan rail network
• 15,000 litres of rainwater storage
• 52,000 new trees, shrubs, plants, and grasses
• Sensors throughout the station to control lighting and temperature
• Sustainable, non-toxic and recycled materials

The station design aims to reduce carbon emissions by 141 tonnes per year. This is equivalent to 47 cars off the road every year and approximately 68% more efficient than a building of the same size and shape.

What’s happening in 2023

Our final major construction blitz will start early next year and by mid 2023, 2 of the most dangerous and congested level crossings will be gone for good and the new Union Station will be open.

As part of the construction blitz, buses will replace trains on sections of the Lilydale and Belgrave lines from Friday 17 February to late May 2023.

There will also be various road closures during this time. Keep an eye on our website for more details.

From mid 2023, we will finish off the station car parks and landscaping.

Project timeline

Early 2021

• First phase of community consultation completed

Mid 2021

• Updated designs released
• Ongoing community engagement
• Design enhancements released
• Contract award announced
• Early works begin

Early 2022

• Major construction begins
• Final designs released

Mid 2022

• Major construction continues

Early 2023

• Excavation of the trench begins

Mid 2023

• Level crossings gone for good
• New Union Station open
• Landscaping works

Stay up to date

To receive updates on the works being carried out, sign up to our email updates.

To register for text message updates text 'UMA' to 0459 067 028.