We’re removing 4 dangerous and congested level crossings at Coburns, Exford and Ferris roads in Melton, and Hopkins Road in Truganina to make Melton boom gate free.

Removing these level crossings will make communities safer, more connected and reduce congestion in Melbourne’s west.

We’re removing the level crossings at Coburns and Exford roads by building rail bridges over the roads.

We’re also building a new, accessible Melton Station with modern facilities for passengers.

We heard that trees are highly valued by the community. To reflect this, we've committed to planting 2 trees for every tree we remove as part of this project.

Construction is underway and we're setting up our site facilities and fencing off areas ahead of works taking place.

We've undertaken careful planning to reduce impacts on local flora and fauna before beginning construction.

To build the new Melton Station and remove the level crossing at Coburns and Exford roads, some vegetation removal is required for:

• construction of the new station
• rail infrastructure
• drainage infrastructure
• underground services
• construction works where tree root zones are impacted.

Tree removal will start in January 2025.

Assessing trees and vegetation

During consultation, we heard that trees and vegetation are important to the Melton community.

Building rail bridges over the roads will allow us to retain more of the existing trees and vegetation in the area compared to other level crossing removal methods.

As part of our planning, independent arborists and environmental experts have conducted comprehensive assessments of every tree and all vegetation within the project area.

With their advice, we've developed designs and construction methods that retain as many trees and shrubs as possible.

Most of the impacted trees are in and around the rail corridor.

Any trees and shrubs that will be safely retained will be protected during construction.

Looking out for wildlife

Before tree and vegetation removal, we work with fauna handlers who inspect trees and vegetation, and safely rehome any fauna we may encounter.

These fauna handlers are also on site during any vegetation removal works to safely relocate any wildlife we may encounter unexpectedly.

Completing most of the removals in January 2025 will also avoid impacts during the migratory periods for the Gang gang Cockatoo and the endangered Swift Parrot.

New community space

During consultation, we heard you want the corner of Brooklyn and Exford roads to be revitalised and turned into a new community space.

We'll create a welcoming area with seating incorporating the large existing trees into the landscaping designs to provide shade for the community to enjoy.

Landscaping

Your community feedback has helped shape the final designs of the new Melton Station and station precinct.

You told us you wanted to see native and indigenous plants used throughout the precinct's landscaping.

We'll select plant species that are suited to the local area and conditions to ensure their long-term viability and fit with the local flora and fauna. We're also investigating ways to re-use timber and mulch from the vegetation removed.

More information about the project’s landscaping plans will be released as construction progresses.

Project timeline

2023

• Project fast tracked
• Community consultation

2024

• Final designs released
• Early works
• Construction begins

2025

• Construction

2026

• Construction
• New Melton Station opens
• All 4 level crossings gone for good

* Timeline subject to change.