What we’re doing

We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Bell Street in Preston to provide better traffic flow and improved safety and connectivity in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

We’re also building a brand new Bell Station. Planning is underway and construction will start in 2018 and be completed by 2020.

Community feedback – what you told us

In October last year we invited the community to join the conversation and let us know what was important when removing the level crossing. We’re thrilled so many of you shared your views about your area.

You told us you want:

• a vibrant station precinct
• improved traffic flow
• safer paths and connections for pedestrians and cyclists
• a greener station precinct, with more plants and trees
• improved facilities at Bell Station
• pride in your community with a visually pleasing design
• a new station that reflects the heritage features of the existing station.

In the coming months there’ll be more opportunities to have your say about how we can transform the local area in a way that will best benefit your community.

What’s happening now?

We’ve recently conducted a range of technical investigations to help us develop the design options for removing the Bell Street level crossing.

These include geotechnical investigations of the underground conditions, and works to locate underground services such as gas, water and telecommunications.

For more information as the project progresses, visit our website, sign up for email updates and connect with us on social media.

Get involved by visiting the Online Hub.

Bell Street, Preston by numbers

• 52,000 – The number of vehicles the Bell Street level crossing carries each week day.
• 143 – The number of train services passing through the site each week day.
• 1500 – The number of people passing through Bell Station each week day.
• 17 – The number of near misses at the  Bell Street level crossing between 2004 and 2014.
• 27 – The number of minutes the boom gates are down in the 7am to 9am week day peak.

Project timeline

Planning, early to mid 2016

• Site investigations
• Identification of options
• Stakeholder engagement
• Community consultation

Options development, late 2016 to late 2017

• Community consultation
• Assessment of design options
• Presentation of feasible options
• Recommended design announced

Procurement, 2017

• Project is put to tender

Delivery, 2018

• Contract is awarded
• Community consultation
• Works commencing