Platform works at Bell and Preston stations

We are removing 4 dangerous and congested level crossings in Preston and major works are underway to build the new Bell and Preston stations.

The installation of the huge steel platform modules has started at Preston Station and will continue throughout November. There are 6 steel modules to be installed and they will form the base of the island platform.

There has also been a lot of progress in the Bell Station precinct, with many L-Beams installed and the start of platform works as well. The bridge construction continues at a rapid rate with some changes to how you move about the area so that we can install the L-beams across Bell Street. Read inside for more detail on our upcoming Bell Street closure.

Did you know?

Bell Street, Preston – the busiest level crossing in Melbourne

• 52,000 vehicles pass through per day
• Boom gates down for 23 per cent of the morning peak
• 17 near misses since 2005
• Level crossing gone by late 2022 and Bell Street will be level crossing free.

New open space designs

The open space areas were designed in collaboration with the Preston Open Space Advisory panel, using feedback gained from the local community during consultation last year.

Through this consultation, locals said they wanted multi-use spaces, more native plants, active spaces, community areas and improved safety. The new designs feature plenty of multipurpose community spaces including an amphitheatre to the west of Bell Station, a barbecue area and casual seating.

We’ve included safety in our design through lighting, CCTV and clearer sight lines for people to access the open space and stations.

The landscaped areas will include more than 700 trees and around 150,000 grasses, shrubs and groundcover plants, as well as 2 new playgrounds and a shared walking and cycling path to connect the new Preston and Bell stations.

Indigenous co-design has been incorporated into various elements of the project, including a yarning circle near Oakover Road and Indigenous patterns to feature on the steel screening of the elevated rail bridge. Designed in collaboration with the Wurundjeri People, these patterns represent a modern interpretation of engravings on shields.

Thank you to the Preston community for your valuable feedback. We hope you like your new open space designs.

View artist impressions and Preston Precinct Plan map in PDF above.

Bell Street closed for bridge works

The citybound rail bridge will be installed across Bell Street in November.

There will be some initial works to remove a power pole in preparation for installing the L-beams across the road.

These works will impact traffic in the area, with Bell Street closed at the level crossing between High Street and St Georges Road.

Vehicles will need to detour via Murray Road – see map opposite for more detail. Local access will be maintained.

The road closures have been scheduled for weekends and overnight to minimise the traffic impact.

Bell Street will be closed at the level crossing between High Street and St Georges Road from

• 9pm Thursday 18 November to 5am Friday 19 November
• 8pm Friday 19 November to 5am Monday 22 November
• 9pm to 5am each night from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 December.

Buses replace trains – Mernda Line

• 9pm Monday 29 November to last service Thursday 2 December
• 9pm Thursday 9 December to last service Monday 13 December

Please allow extra time to travel through the area as there will be delays.

Go local and support local businesses in Preston

We work closely with local businesses to help minimise any impacts and disruptions from our works. We meet regularly with traders ahead of major disruptions and keep them up to date with the progress of the project.

By shopping locally during our works, you too can help support Preston businesses.

A taste of Italy on High Street

360 High Street, Preston VIC 3072

Lucchini Cakes & Cafe is a favourite eatery for locals on Preston’s High Street.

The cafe's proud heritage traces back to 1952. After migrating to Australia from Italy after WWII, astute businessman Enzo Lucchini noticed a gap in the market for traditional Italian cakes among Carlton’s many espresso bars. Enzo opened Lucchini and started supplying happy customers with specialty cakes for all occasions such as birthdays, weddings and engagements.

Current owner, John Menara, worked in his uncle Enzo’s cafe as a teenager while studying commerce and law at the University of Melbourne. John loved the people and interactions at Lucchini so much that he left his studies to become a partner in Enzo’s business.

In 1973, John expanded Lucchini by opening a store on High Street, Preston. Fast forward to today, John and his wife Sonia run the Lucchini business with their children Gianni and Nadia. The family continue Enzo’s legacy of baking Italian specialty cakes, as well as offering a variety of homemade options for breakfast, lunch and takeaway.

The cafe is renowned for its homemade pies, pastries, piadinas, lasagne and filos. As for cakes, locals will tell you that the ricotta danish and baked cheesecake are a must try.

‘A lovely aspect of our business is being part of the great Preston community and getting to know our customers over so many years,’ says John.

Stepping inside, the cafe is clearly Italian at heart. Terrazzo floors, walls adorned of art with scenes from Italy, and pieces from local and Indigenous artists – all John’s private collection – create a wonderful ambience and give customers a relaxing escape.

John attributes the success of the business to quality products and dedication to great service.

'Our family’s passion for food is the heart and soul of our business.'

John’s vision for the future is to keep customers content with healthy home cooked meals, while growing with the local community.

Support your local traders during the level crossing removal works.

How we're building the rail bridge at Preston

You will have noticed sections of the bridge being built along the rail corridor. The diagram below shows the different stages and construction methods.

Bridge construction at Preston

1. Foundation works, known as piling, start by drilling holes up to 30m deep.
2. A cylindrical, steel reinforcement cage is inserted into the hole.
3. The hole is filled with concrete to form a pile.
4. The piers, or bridge columns, are built on top of the piles, starting with a steel reinforcement cage.
5. A steel mould is placed around the cage.
6. Concrete is poured into the mould and cured to create the pier.
7. Pre-cast headstocks are delivered to site and installed on top of each pier. Headstocks support the bridge spans and transfer the bridge load to the pier below.
8. The bridge sections, known as U-troughs, are made up of 2 L-shaped beams installed on top of the headstocks. The 2 beams are joined with concrete to form a U-shape.
9. Train tracks and ballast are laid.
10. Signalling, communications and overhead power equipment is installed.

Project timeline

2020

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

Early 2021

• Construction starts

Mid 2021

• Stations demolished
• Bridge construction starts

Mid 2022

• Trains running on city-bound bridge

Late 2022

• Level crossings removed
• Bell and Preston stations open

2023

• Open space completed

*Timeline subject to change