Major works underway

We're removing the level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston, as part of the Victoria Government's commitment to remove 75 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025.

Works have begun on the Preston Level Crossing Removal Project, which will see the level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road gone by the end of 2022.

We will be building 2 new stations and raising the rail over the roads to deliver new open space ready for locals to enjoy in 2023.

Major construction has started, with crews working around the clock while the Mernda line was closed over 4 days in February. We thank you for your patience while we completed these important works.

Removing the 4 level crossings in Preston will:

• Make Bell Street boom gate free
• Improve traffic for the 82,000 vehicles that use these 4 level crossings
• Enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians with more than 200 trains travelling through these crossings each day.

Open space feedback

By raising the rail line, we will create new open spaces under the bridge. The project will create new green space, plant more trees and include seating, play areas and sports facilities.

Between early December and late January, 237 people completed the online survey providing feedback about the new open space concept designs.

The feedback we received on the open space concept designs, which were developed in consultation with the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel (POSAP) was positive. Many respondents indicated that the designs deliver on being multi-use, and that they will help connect the local area.

We also heard that many in the Preston community would like spaces that promote activity, as well as plenty of native trees, plants, and natural surfaces.

Other key themes to emerge from the feedback were:

• having safe connections for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle traffic
• ensuring there are measures to deter and prevent anti-social behaviour
• creating safe open space areas.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the online survey and leave feedback on our designs for the open space. The feedback we received will play an important role in helping us refine the designs.

The community will have the opportunity to see how we have responded to their feedback when we release final designs and artist impressions.

Mernda Line disruption in March

Buses will replace trains between Clifton Hill and Reservoir from Friday 26 March to Monday 29 March.

We will be closing the Mernda Line to allow us to safely:

• commission new overheads
• work on the train tracks to replace sleepers and remove tracks
• remove poles north of Murray Road
• continue combined services route (CSR) trenching
• start demolishing the existing Bell and Preston stations
• establish temporary stations at Bell and Preston

These works mean we will have to work during the night. We will notify residents in advance of any out of hours works.

Mernda Line disruption in May

Buses will replace trains between Clifton Hill and Epping from Wednesday 5 May to Wednesday 12 May while we complete essential works for the project.

During this time there will be changes to the Mernda line timetable. We’ll be out with more information closer to the date.

Bell and Preston temporary stations

We’re setting up temporary stations at Bell and Preston stations so that rail services along the Mernda line can continue throughout our major works.

The stations will have:

• staffed ticketing offices
• public toilets
• Protective Services Officer pods
• myki vending machines.

The temporary stations will operate until the brand new, modern stations at Bell and Preston are built in 2022. These new stations will rejuvenate the precincts for locals and create safer and more direct links between public transport, local shops, and parking. For more information on the new stations and to view the designs, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au and search Bell and Preston stations.

Join the Preston Stakeholder Liaison Group

We’ll work with the Preston community throughout the project to update you on works, disruptions, and milestones.

To help keep the community informed we are establishing the Preston Stakeholder Liaison Group (SLG) and are now seeking nominations from interested members of the community.

The purpose of the SLG is to strengthen the relationship between the project and the community by sharing information and understanding community concerns during construction. The SLG will consist of local residents, representatives of community organisations, business owners and others with a strong connection to the local area.

To learn more or nominate yourself for the Preston SLG, visit the Engage Victoria website and view our online application form.

Applications close 5pm Thursday 25 March.

Project timeline

2017-2018

• Site investigations
• Technical and engineering assessments
• Government commitment to remove more level crossings on the Mernda line

2019

• Confirm design
• Further engineering investigations
• Community engagement on what's important to the Preston community

2020

• Concept designs
• Preston Open Space Advisory Panel (POSAP)
• Further community engagement on the design
• Design finalised
• Early work begins

2021

• Constructions commences

2022

• Level crossings removed and stations opened

2023

• Open space ready for locals to enjoy

Timeline above subject to change.

Find out more

Online – You can visit the PTV website for travel and disruption information.

Ask us a question – Contact us anytime on 1800 105 105 or contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au