New Bell and Preston stations opening soon

We have removed the level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road. From Monday 5 September, the Mernda-bound rail bridge and new stations will be ready for passengers.

The new stations have come to life during the past few months, with Preston's colourful facade and Bell's feature windows creating new local landmarks. Along with modern facilities and improved accessibility, both stations feature a range of sustainable design elements that have been used throughout.

From 5 September lifts and stairs will be available to passengers at Preston Station. Bell Station will only have stair access until late September. Passengers who are unable to use the stairs can catch a shuttle service to either Preston or Thornbury stations.

Environmentally friendly stations

A total of 132 solar panels are in place on Preston Station's roof to form a 60 kW solar array. These panels will save the station from emitting around 3600 tonnes of CO2-e (carbon dioxide equivalent) over its lifetime. This is equal to taking around 780 cars off the road for a year. At Bell Station, the smaller of the two, 62 solar panels are being installed.

The team has also used recycled products in nearly all areas of the project, including recycled plastic fibres in the shared use paths instead of steel, crushed recycled glass to fill the service pits and recycled rocks in the drainage.

Water tanks at both stations will supply water for the toilets and to clean the station platforms, saving valuable drinkable water.

The team continues to work on the landscaping and shared use paths. These paths make the stations more accessible for pedestrians and bike riders helping encourage people to walk to their train stations rather than take the car. Thousands of trees, plants and shrubs will be planted as part of the project.

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

Winter works in Preston

Over the last few months, the team has been working to get the Mernda-bound bridge and new stations ready for trains on 5 September.

We want to thank everyone for their patience during single line running and the three-month closures of Bell and Preston stations. It was great that trains could keep running on the Mernda Line while we completed the second bridge and station buildings and we appreciate everyone adjusting to the shuttle bus service during this time.

The landscaping on the project is well underway, with some sections near the stations nearly complete. Work will continue on car parks, walking and cycling paths and the open spaces into early 2023. Be sure to make note of any

signs and detours to take you safely around areas while still under construction.

24/7 works before stations open

To get trains running in the new rail bridge, buses will replace trains on the Mernda line from 26 August to 5 September.

We'll work around the clock and when services return, trains will run on both rail bridges and your new stations will be open.

When the new stations open, lifts and stairs will be operational at Preston. Work will continue on the lifts at Bell and passengers who need lift access will need to travel to Preston or Thornbury stations using the shuttle service provided until the end of September when the new lifts will be completed.

Please check below to see what stations are affected.

Replacement bus services will operate on the Mernda Line during these times/dates/locations

• Between Clifton Hill and Mernda, 9pm Friday 26 August to 3am Sunday 28 August
• Between Clifton Hill and Reservoir, 3am to 9pm, Sunday 28 August
• Between Parliament/Clifton Hill and Reservoir, 9pm to last service, Sunday 28 August
• Between Parliament/Clifton Hill and Reservoir, Monday 29 August to 9pm Friday 2 September
• Clifton Hill to Reservoir*, 9pm Friday 2 September to last service Sunday 4 September
• * please note: from 1am to 3am, Saturday 3 September and Sunday 4 September, replacement bus services will extend to Mernda

Preston Progress during single line running in pictures

Stay fit with Preston Health and Fitness

The team at Preston Health and Fitness love creating a positive energy at their gym, so that people feel comfortable and enjoy coming to train. The team is made up of Steve, Basil and Andre - and all three love helping people achieve their fitness goals.

Steve is an experienced fitness professional who has managed some of the most successful franchise clubs around Melbourne. When he started Preston Health and Fitness in 2018 the building had previously been a factory, so he was really excited to build it from scratch.

Steve loved the proximity to the train station, vibrant Preston Market and walking and cycling paths, which makes the gym easily accessible for the community.

The whole team is passionate about fitness and health, with Basil enjoying diving, trekking and distance cycling when he gets time off, and Andre a passionate American Football player who plays for the Northern Raiders in Reservoir.

The team is always happy to welcome new members to the club. 'We love to see new faces and work with people on what they hope to achieve so that they can train efficiently and effectively,' says Steve, 'We also want people to enjoy their training. We have no lock in contracts and 24/7 access, so it is really open to all lifestyles. Come and check us out!'

Preston spinning wheel

Thanks to everyone who came to see us at Preston Market on Saturday 20 August – it was great to chat to people about the stations opening and upcoming 24/7 works. It was also lots of fun giving out some locally sourced prizes!

Project timeline

2020

• Concept designs
• Preston Open Space Advisory Panel formed
• Designs finalised
• Early works begin

Early 2021

• Construction starts

Mid 2021

• Stations demolished
• Bridge construction starts

Mid 2022

• City-bound rail bridge complete
• Level crossings removed
• Single line running starts

Late 2022

• Mernda-bound bridge complete
• Bell and Preston stations open

2023

• Open space complete

* Timeline above subject to change.