The Victorian Government has committed to removing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025. With 47 already gone the project is ahead of schedule so another 10 have been added to make it 85 level crossings gone by 2025.

We're removing 6 level crossings on the Mernda line. One is already gone, 4 are going and now we'll remove the level crossing at Keon Parade, Keon Park.

Removing this crossing will improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains, more often.

With this frustrating boom gate out of the way, we're helping people travel to local shops, schools and community services faster. It will also cut travel time to the M80 Ring Road.

Site analysis

This level crossing clogs local roads and puts lives at risk. There has been one crash and 24 near misses at this site since 2012.

Around 33,000 passengers use the Mernda line each day. Current network plans involve running more trains along the line, which would mean even more boom gate downtime.

New station

A new station will be built at Keon Park as part of the crossing removal.

Local progress

We've already removed the level crossing at High Street in Reservoir and built a brand new Reservoir Station.

Works are now underway to remove the level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston. This means that Bell Street will be level crossing-free. We're also building the new Preston and Bell Stations.

Why this level crossing needs to go

• Approximately 18,000 vehicles travel through this crossing each day
• Boom gates are down for up to 41 minutes of the morning peak (7am to 9am)
• 30 trains during the morning peak one collision and 24 near misses in the past 9 years.

Who we are

The Level Crossing Removal Project was established in 2015 by the Victorian Government to remove 50 dangerous and congested level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2022.

In 2018, the Victorian Government committed to removing a further 25 level crossings by 2025.

Now in 2021, another 10 will go meaning 85 level crossings removed by 2025.

Removing the 85 level crossings will deliver:

• More reliable roads and rail – traffic congestion will be reduced, and more trains will be able to run more often.
• Improved safety – crossing the rail line will be safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
• More opportunities – removing level crossings will enhance and create vibrant areas for the community.

Project benefits

We’re removing six dangerous and congested level crossings on the Mernda line and building seven new stations by 2025.

• More than $1.1 billion is being invested in upgrading the line including the rail extension and new stations completed in 2018
• Removing the level crossing will ease congestion on the busy M80 Ring Road and 903 SmartBus route, and provide faster access to the Western Ring Road
• Allows more trains, more often
• The new Keon Park Station will have better facilities for passengers including more lighting and CCTV
• Across Melbourne, we'll create over 20 MCGs worth of open space and over 50kms of new walking and cycling paths.

Technical design to remove the level crossing

Each level crossing is unique and needs a design that considers environmental, community and technical factors. A design that works well for one area may not necessarily suit another.

Designs for level crossing removals are assessed and developed by teams of technical experts including engineers and construction specialists.

Initial assessments indicate that a rail bridge over the road* will deliver the best outcome for the community at Keon Parade, Keon Park. This design means we can get rid of this dangerous level crossing sooner and will be less disruptive for road and rail users during construction.

* Further engineering assessments and community engagement will be undertaken on these projects.

Upcoming site investigations

As we remove a level crossing, it is important that we have a detailed understanding of the conditions at each site.

To do this, we complete lots of site investigations to better understand the ground conditions and work out what designs and construction methods can be used in each location.

Over the coming months, our teams will do further investigations and studies in and around the rail corridor. This includes activities such as soil testing, heritage assessments and ground water monitoring.

You’ll see our crew working, but the works are unlikely to cause disruption to the community. We’ll notify residents who live nearby before we start these works.

Keep in touch

We will be out in the community to talk to you about these projects in the coming months.

Send us a private message on our Facebook page.

Contact our 24/7 call centre on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au