26 August 2021
We are removing the level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston.
The rail line will be raised over the roads on the Mernda line, delivering new open space underneath the 2km rail bridge. The project will also deliver new stations at Preston and Bell.
These level crossings will be removed by the end of 2022 and the open space ready for locals to enjoy in 2023.
With a project of this scale, temporary construction impacts and disruptions are planned for and should be expected.
The Mernda line has unique constraints as it cannot close for longer than 12 consecutive days due to a requirement for trains to regularly access the Epping maintenance yard. With this in mind, the project team has developed five stages of construction to minimise disruption to the rail line.
Stage one: site establishment
Late 2020 – mid 2021
Key activities in stage one:
- Site establishment
- Relocation of underground services
- Signalling upgrades on Mernda line
- Installation of temporary overhead signalling so trains can continue to run while construction continues
- Commissioning of the temporary station facilities at Bell and Preston stations
- Demolition of existing station buildings
Stage two: major construction
Mid 2021 – mid 2022
Key activities in stage two:
- Hardstand construction for foundation works and bridge installation
- Building the city-bound rail bridge, and sections of the Mernda-bound rail bridge
- Building the retaining walls in the north and south of the project
- Construction on the new Bell and Preston stations begins
We will build about 50% of the new Bell Station and 25 per cent of the new Preston Station during this stage.
Stage three: single line running
Mid 2022
In 2022, we will close Bell and Preston stations for three months to create a safe environment for the project workforce and community while we complete the rail bridge and build sections of the new modern stations.
To keep trains running and to allow our works to continue safely, the Mernda line will operate on a single track over the newly completed city-bound rail bridge between Thornbury and Regent stations.
Trains will not stop at Bell and Preston stations during this stage. Shuttle buses will transport passengers from Bell and Preston stations to nearby Thornbury and Regent stations.
During this time the Mernda and Hurstbridge lines will run on an altered timetable.
Stage four: final works
Late 2022
The rail bridges will be complete and the level crossings removed during stage four. The new Bell and Preston stations will be open.
Stage five: open space and landscaping
Late 2022 – 2023
Once the rail bridge and stations are built, we will begin working on the open spaces and planting Australian trees, shrubs and grasses, with the open spaces ready for the community to enjoy in 2023.
Project timeline
| Date | Progress |
|---|---|
| 2017 - 2018 |
|
| 2019 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2023 |
|