The removal of 2 dangerous and congested level crossings at Warrigal Road, Mentone and Parkers Road, Parkdale is a step closer, with updated designs for the elevated rail bridge that will provide 2 MCGs of open space and a new Parkdale Station.
Getting rid of another 2 level crossings on the Frankston Line will improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains to run more often on one of Melbourne’s busiest train lines.
Each day 20,000 drivers pass through these 2 crossings and the boom gates are down for more than a third of the morning peak.
Community feedback has shaped the latest designs, and the new station precinct and open space has been designed to reflect the local character and village feel of Parkdale.
The new station precinct will have a generous forecourt and gathering places, featuring warm and light-toned materials such as timber, granite and stone, in keeping with community feedback. Retaining original elements of the existing station is important to locals, so the station building will be repurposed and located within the new precinct.
The new open spaces will feature trees and landscaping, walking and cycling paths, and recreation areas including a basketball half court, open-air gym and nature-based play areas.
Building a single rail bridge will better connect the suburb – which is currently divided by the rail line – and allows more trees and landscaping to maximise the green space.
When the new station opens, passengers will enjoy modern, accessible station facilities, filled with natural light – featuring stairs and lifts to station platforms, a new office for Protective Services Officers, more lighting at night and better CCTV.
The community is now invited to share feedback on the updated designs at Engage Victoria, and at face-to-face and virtual community information sessions from mid October.
The designers will continue to receive valuable insights and advice from 14 community members on the Parkdale Open Space Advisory Panel to shape the final designs.
The project is also seeking nominations for community members to be part of the project’s Construction Liaison Group, who will help inform local communities and listen to feedback about issues that may affect them during construction.
Major construction will begin next year, and the level crossing will be gone in 2025.
The Victorian Government is removing 20 dangerous level crossings and building 13 new stations as part of upgrades on the Frankston Line that will improve safety, reduce congestion and allow more trains to run more often.
The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025, with 67 already gone for good. Another 8 level crossing removals on the Upfield Line have recently been added, and these will be gone in 2027.
