Train passengers, drivers, pedestrians and bike riders in Melbourne’s north can look forward to safer travel, with final designs for the Keon Parade level crossing removal released and the contract to deliver the project signed in October.
Keon Parade’s level crossing will be removed by building a 750m long rail bridge over the road, including a brand new Keon Park Station.
The vibrant, modern Keon Park Station will be on the south side of Keon Parade, providing better access to the station. The project will rejuvenate the area with landscaping, and walking and cycling paths surrounding the station precinct.
Following community feedback, designs have been enhanced to include a picnic recreational space overlooking JC Donath Reserve and a pedestrian and cycling path from High Street through the station precinct to Johnson Street, giving passengers direct access to local shops, cafes and eateries.
The architecturally designed Keon Park Station will have 2 convenient entrances, a central elevated island platform accessible via lifts and stairs, 2 car parks north and south of Keon Parade and extensive CCTV and lighting throughout.
The project will benefit more than 18,000 motorists who pass through this Mernda line level crossing each day, where the boom gates are down for more than 41 minutes during the morning peak.
Since 2012, there have been 24 near misses and 1 crash recorded at the Keon Parade level crossing, so getting rid of the boom gates is crucial to ease congestion, improve safety and pave the way for more train services, more often.
The $277 million contract has been awarded to an alliance comprising John Holland Group, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne and the Level Crossing Removal Project – the group which recently removed 5 level crossings on the Mernda line and built new stations at Reservoir, Bell and Preston.
In the coming months, the project team will set up site offices for the workforce, move underground services and continue geotechnical investigations.
Major construction will ramp up early next year, with the new Keon Park Station open and level crossing gone for good in 2025.
