Locals are being invited to provide feedback on the name of the new road bridge being built over the Pakenham Line as part of works to get rid of the dangerous and congested Station Street level crossing.
The project is seeking feedback on 4 names shortlisted for the new road bridge connecting Beaconsfield Avenue and Kenilworth Avenue, set to open in 2025.
The proposed names – McKenna Drive, Rushton Road, Nott Drive, and Parklands Drive - are significant to the Beaconsfield area.
McKenna Drive is proposed in honour of Mary Carmel McKenna, well known for her volunteering efforts and support for a wide range of local organsiations and clubs, as well as assisting in fundraising activities and caring for the elderly.
Rushton Road recognises active community member and volunteer Tony Rushton, who established the annual Beaconsfield Anzac Memorial Service and was instrumental in restoring the Beaconsfield War Memorial.
Charles Nott was the original owner of what locals affectionately refer to as the Station Master’s House, built in 1888. Today, all that remains of the villa are the stables, which have been lovingly restored and converted into a house.
The final option, Parklands Drive, recognises Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands, encompassing more than 600 hectares of parkland from Beaconsfield to Clyde, which provides and important habitat corridor and supports endangered wildlife such as the growling grass frog and dwarf galaxia.
The community can read more about the proposed names and provide their feedback until 11.59pm Sunday, 15 December at Engage Victoria.
The feedback will be reviewed and the new name announced when the road bridge opens in 2025.
Removing the Station Street level crossing will improve safety and ease congestion for drivers who face lengthy delays when the boom gates are down for almost a third of the morning peak.
Getting rid of these boom gates will also help make the Pakenham Line level crossing free in 2025 and, together with the Metro Tunnel, will allow more trains to run.
