Four level crossings going, two new stations on the way

We are getting rid of the dangerous and congested level crossings at Bell Street, Reynard Street and Munro Street in Coburg and Moreland Road in Brunswick.

Our extensive on-site technical investigations showed a rail bridge to be the best solution to improve local connections, create new open space and deliver a better Upfield Bike Path.

We're also building new Coburg and Moreland stations, and preserving the existing heritage buildings.

The level crossings at Bell Street and Moreland Road were part of the initial 50 crossings nominated for removal. Since then, the Victorian Government has committed to removing additional level crossings at Munro and Reynard streets on the Upfield line.

As we develop detailed designs, we want to hear from locals to inform features of the rail bridge and new open space, including walking and cycling connections and landscaping options.

Construction on this vital project for the inner north will begin later this year, with the level crossings gone in 2020.

Why these crossings have to go

• 68,000 vehicles each day
• Boom gates are down for up to 25% of the morning peak
• 109 daily passenger train services
• 2500 daily entries at Coburg Station
• 1300 daily entries at Moreland Station

Why the rail bridge is the best solution for Bell to Moreland level crossing removals

Shorter construction timeframe, less disruption

Because of the amount of extremely hard basalt rock that would need to be dug out of the rail corridor, lowering the rail under the road would take almost twice as long as building a rail bridge.

Around 120 Olympic-sized swimming pools of material would need to be excavated for a rail trench.

Digging out such a large amount of basalt rock would be highly disruptive to nearby residents, causing greater noise, dust and vibration.

It would also require a much longer shutdown of the rail line and more machinery, trucks and rock-breaking equipment on local roads. The rail bridge will be partially built off-site meaning less disruption to the community.

Less impact on power and water

Major sewerage and drainage services, used by a large proportion of the community, run across the rail corridor.

A rail trench would require building several kilometres of new pipes and cause widespread disruptions, including service disruptions and road closures across Coburg.

Improvements to Upfield Bike Path and open space

Due to the narrow corridor and properties close to the rail line, building a rail trench would greatly limit opportunities for new open space, significantly impact the Upfield Bike Path and result in poor east–west connections, dividing the community.

Building a rail bridge means we can upgrade the Upfield Bike Path and create new community open space.

Why not rail under road?

• Would take almost twice as long
• Much longer rail line shutdown
• Prolonged disruptive digging
• Disruptive sewerage relocation

Up to 2 years of detailed investigations

Each level crossing site is unique. They are all detailed, complex projects that have to work within limitations created by infrastructure such as roads, buildings, utility services, the topography of the site, and the area’s ground conditions.

Detailed planning and technical work underpins each project, helping to identify the risks and opportunities at each level crossing.

For the Bell to Moreland project this work included:

• geotechnical drilling to learn about the ground conditions
• site surveys, including environmental surveys
• traffic studies
• determining where the existing service utilities, such as gas, water, electricity, telecommunications and sewerage are located
• feature survey
• flora and fauna investigations
• cultural and heritage investigations.

These investigations led to the determination that a rail bridge is the best design option for the Bell to Moreland level crossing removal. We are now working to refine the design and will be undertaking further investigations to inform the construction of the rail bridge.

Be inspired: what do you want to see?

Rail bridges have been used on a number of level crossing removal projects across Melbourne, creating new spaces for communities to enjoy.

What does your local area need? Tell us what you think at our upcoming drop-in sessions or online.

Project timeline