With the new Preston and Bell stations now open to passengers, children from a local early learning centre were given the opportunity to check out the new Bell Station and lend a helping hand with landscaping around the station precinct.
Located next door to the station, children from Nino Early Learning Adventures helped the Level Crossing Removal Project team to plant dozens of trees and shrubs recently.
Since construction began at Bell Station early last year, the students have watched on with a keen eye, enjoying the sights and sounds of a construction site. The children most enjoyed watching the concrete piers being painted pink, workers climbing the scaffolding and watching the trucks and diggers get to work.
The trip to Bell Station wouldn’t haven’t been complete without a tour of the new station and a look through the new coloured glass windows – an exciting end to the excursion for the group.
In the meantime, work is continuing on the 3 MCGs of new open space under the 2km long rail line in Preston, which will open to the public next year and feature play and exercise areas, including an amphitheatre to the west of Bell Station, a barbecue area and casual seating.
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 66 gone for good already, boosting safety and easing congestion across Melbourne.
