Getting ready for major construction

We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Keon Parade by building a rail bridge over the road and we’re building a brand-new Keon Park Station.

Removing Keon Parade’s level crossing will reduce congestion for the 18,000 vehicles that pass through each weekday. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists will no longer be delayed at the boom gates, which can be down for up to 41 minutes of the morning peak, 7am - 9am.

In 2025 trains will run on the rail bridge to the new Keon Park Station – making Keon Parade boom gate free. We’ve started early works and major construction will start in early 2023.

To build the rail bridge, install new infrastructure and relocate existing services, we’ll need to remove trees and vegetation from late 2022 to mid 2023. Trees and vegetation being removed are within the project area – in the rail corridor, around the existing and new station precincts, and along key roads. We’ll also establish no-go zones around all remaining trees.

We know trees are important to the local community and we’re working hard to minimise tree removal for the Keon Parade Level Crossing Removal Project.

The project team thoroughly investigates all options to retain trees wherever possible and reduce impacts on flora and fauna.

Managing vegetation removal

Independent arborists have conducted a comprehensive assessment of trees and vegetation in the area.

What's assessed:

• structural strength, including the size and location of tree roots
• health, life expectancy and significance to the area
• how close the tree is to construction works and services.

This assessment helps identify which trees pose a hazard to road and rail operations and require removal. Understanding root systems and tree health is crucial to identifying where we can avoid tree and vegetation removal.

Protecting existing vegetation

All trees and vegetation being retained will be separated from construction with no-go zones which protect the vegetation from construction impacts, above and below the ground.

Wildlife

Before tree and vegetation removal we work with wildlife handlers who look for wildlife and make sure wildlife is safely rehomed.

Native vegetation

Victoria has a state-wide offsets program aimed at maintaining overall biodiversity across the state. The Keon Parade Level Crossing Removal Project is contributing to this scheme in Melbourne’s north.

We’re also working closely with the City of Darebin and the City of Whittlesea on opportunities to enhance native vegetation in the local area.

More information about offsets can be found on the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website.

Replanting and landscaping

The new Keon Park Station will feature a generous station forecourt with new green landscaped areas surrounding the station on High Street and Keon Parade. We’ll plant trees and we’ll work on landscaping in and around the new Keon Park Station precinct once major works are completed in 2024.

We’ll plant trees and we’ll work on landscaping once major works are completed in 2024.

From your feedback, we know native and indigenous species are important to the local community. We’ll use native trees, plants and shrubs to provide a green gateway to the new station. Natives are suited to the local environment and climate and need less watering. They also provide habitat for native animals and year-round foliage and shade.

More information including landscaping plans and what’s being planted in your neighbourhood will be shared with the community as the project progresses.

Based on community feedback, we’ll plant a mix of native and indigenous species to enhance the biodiversity of the local area.

What happens with removed trees and vegetation

Large logs and mulch will be used for landscaping. We’re exploring other opportunities to reuse removed trees with local community groups, councils and schools.

If you’re part of a group that could use the timber for local initiatives, email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105.