Before we remove the Union Road level crossing in Surrey Hills, we’re undertaking another kind of dig to understand the history of the area where we are working.
The far eastern end of the northern Surrey Hills car park was formerly home to the Station Master’s house, first appearing in plans in 1909. When the third rail line was added to the train line in 1971, the Station Master’s house was removed and replaced by a station car park.
The archaeological dig at the former site of the Station Master’s house will establish whether there are any items of local heritage significance that remain underground.
Local history is an important consideration for all level crossing removal projects and it is important to us that we undertake these investigations as part of our work. The project team are working closely with Heritage Victoria, local councils and the local community groups as part of the process.
The site also provides an exciting opportunity for the local community to learn more about the area’s history.
In addition, the historic palm tree that remains in the northern car park will be preserved – with the tree being transported to another site during construction and returned to the local area after the project is completed.
Works are now well underway to remove the 2 dangerous and congested level crossings at Union Road and Mont Albert by lowering the rail line into an open trench beneath the roads, with the boom gates to be gone in 2023.
A new premium station will also be built between Surrey Hills and Mont Albert, as well a new station car park with an improved layout, lighting and CCTV.
