Two vibrant, state-of-the art stations have opened today for passengers in Melbourne’s north, following the removal of 4 level crossings from Preston earlier this year.
After almost 10 days of around-the-clock construction work to connect the new rail bridge with the Mernda Line, the architecturally designed train stations at Bell and Preston welcomed passengers from first service today, offering better facilities and amazing views of the city from the new elevated platforms.
The stations will rejuvenate the area for locals and create safer and more direct links between public transport, local shops and parking. Solar panels, rainwater tanks and LED lighting feature at both stations, and a dedicated cycling path will be built to separate cyclists from foot traffic in these busy areas.
Over the coming months, work will begin on building 3 MCGs of new open space under the 2-kilometre rail line in Preston, which will be ready next year and will feature play and exercise areas, including an amphitheatre to the west of Bell Station, a barbecue area and casual seating.
The open space will include landscaped areas with thousands of trees, shrubs and grasses, and a shared walking and cycling path to connect the new Preston and Bell stations. The landscaping work will be completed by Wamarra, an Aboriginal owned and operated civil contractor.
The level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston were removed in May this year by building a rail bridge over the 4 roads on the Mernda line.
About 82,000 vehicles passed through these 4 level crossings each day, and the boom gates were down for up to 40% of the morning peak.
The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025, with 65 gone for good already, boosting safety and easing congestion across Melbourne.