Construction crews are wrapping up work on the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing removal as they put the finishing touches on the new Deer Park Station precinct.
The level crossing was removed in April with a new rail bridge easing congestion and improving safety for local drivers.
Work then continued on the elevated Deer Park Station, bus interchange, 150 new and upgraded car parks, and planting more than 50,000 trees, plants and shrubs, creating a new transport hub in the heart of the suburb.
The improved bus interchange will make it easier and safer for commuters, delivering a seamless connection between buses and trains at Deer Park Station. It will also be powered by 121 solar panels, saving energy for years to come.
Up to 93 bus services will use the interchange and new signalised intersection onto Mt Derrimut Road every weekday.
The new and upgraded car parks were funded by the Victorian Government’s Car Parks For Commuters program, include better lighting, pedestrian paths and CCTV, and will with upgrades bring the total number of car parks to 550.
The station precinct also includes ramp and lift access to both platforms, and landscaped forecourts on both sides of the rail line which are connected by a pedestrian walkway, plus an air-conditioned waiting room that will provide shelter from the weather for local commuters.
It also features more than 50,000 plants, shrubs and grasses, and in a Victorian first, 2 roof top gardens on the station buildings.
The extensive additional greenery will help reduce the heat island effect of the surrounding buildings. Crews will continue putting the finishing touches on the landscaping during December.
The Mt Derrimut Road boom gates were down for up to 60% of the morning peak, causing traffic chaos for the 23,000 vehicles that passed through every day.
Four more level crossings are also being removed in Melton and Truganina to make Melton boom gate free in 2028.
In total we have removed 74 level crossings across Melbourne, with 110 to go for good by 2030.
