The Victorian Government is removing 4 level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston, and building new Bell and Preston stations.

The level crossing will be removed by raising the rail over the roads, improving safety and accessibility, creating more local connections, and allowing more trains to run more often.

Opening in late 2022 the new Bell and Preston stations will be safer and more accessible, with features including:

• upgraded modern facilities and waiting rooms
• elevated platforms with seating protected from Melbourne’s weather
• lifts and stairs making it easier for everyone to catch the train
• more spaces to securely lock your bike.

While we build these new facilities, there will be temporary Bell and Preston stations. This means that services along the Mernda line can continue throughout major works.

Preston Station

From Thursday 6 May 2021, passengers will start using the temporary Preston Station, which will be located in the north-west car park on the corner of St Georges and Murray Road.

Passengers will only be able to access the station and platforms from Murray Road. Access from Cramer Street will be closed. A pedestrian detour will be in place along St Georges Road.

To keep our workers, locals and passengers safe we’ll need to close Preston Station north-east car park, except for Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) staff and accessible permit parking.

The east station car park will remain closed and be transformed into new open space. We encourage passengers to park at Reservoir or Regent stations.

For cyclists we’re replacing the existing bike parking (parkiteer) with bicycle hoops. Secure bike parking (parkiteer) is available at Reservoir Station for cyclists who want to secure their bike.

Pedestrians will notice some footpath closures near the station. Way finding signage will be in place to help you safely locate the temporary Preston Station.

Bell Station

From Thursday 6 May 2021, passengers will start using the temporary Bell Station, which will be located on the west side of the rail line with access from Isaacs Street.

Temporary elevated walkways and ramps will allow passengers to safely access both platforms from the west side of the station.

To keep our workers, locals and passengers safe Bell Station carpark will remain closed during construction.

We encourage passengers to park at Reservoir or Regent stations.

There will be designated parking on Blanch Street for Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) staff and accessible permit parking.

Way finding signage will also be in place to help you easily locate the temporary station.

What you can expect

Safety is our number one priority. During construction we'll need to close the Mernda rail line at times to enable workers to safely build the rail bridge and new stations. The closures will be no longer than 14 consecutive days.

From 8.15pm Wednesday 5 May to last service Tuesday 11 May, the Mernda Line will be closed between Clifton Hill and Regent stations. Buses will replace trains during this time.

In 2022, we’ll also need to close Bell and Preston temporary stations for a period of time to create a safe environment for the project workforce and community whilst we build sections of the new modern stations.

During this time, to keep the Mernda line open, trains will operate on one single track between Thornbury and Regent Stations.

We’ll be out to the community with more information closer to the date.

Project timeline

* Please note that the timeline above is subject to change.