Project overview
The level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston are being removed.
The rail line will be raised over the roads on the Mernda line, delivering new open space underneath the 2km rail bridge.
A shared walking and cycling path from Oakover Road through to Murray Road will connect locals to the new stations and open spaces.
The project will also deliver new stations at Preston and Bell.
The 4 level crossings will be removed simultaneously to minimise disruption to the community.
Around 82,000 vehicles pass through these level crossings on the Mernda line each day, with the boom gates down for up to 40% of the morning peak.
These level crossings will be removed by the end of 2022 and the open space ready for locals to enjoy in 2023.
Project timeline
Stage 1: site establishment and early works
Late 2020 to mid 2021
- Site establishment
- Relocation of underground services
- Signalling upgrades
- Installation of temporary overhead signalling so trains can continue to run during construction
Stage 2: major construction
Mid 2021 to mid 2022
- Foundation works and bridge installation
- Building the city-bound and sections of the Mernda-bound rail bridges
- Building the retaining walls
- Construction of the new stations begins
Stage 3: single line running
Mid 2022
- Bell and Preston stations will close for 3 months
- The Mernda line will operate on a single line
- 95% of the new Preston and Bell stations will be finished during this stage
Stage 4: final works
Late 2022
- The rail bridges will be completed
- Level crossings removed
- New stations opened
Stage 5: open space and landscaping
Late 2022 to 2023
- Work on open spaces
- Start to plant Australian trees, shrubs and grasses
- Open spaces ready for the community to enjoy in 2023
New stations
Preston Station
As the gateway to Preston’s shopping district, the design of Preston Station incorporates the liveliness of the area, with the bright coloured façade echoing the vivid colours of produce that can be found at Preston Market.
The new Preston Station and elevated rail line means that locals and Preston Market shoppers can enter and exit the new station safely via an open forecourt, allowing safer and more convenient access to the heart of Preston. The new station facilities will include:
- upgraded modern facilities and waiting rooms
- elevated platforms with seating protected from Melbourne’s weather
- lifts and stairs making it easier for everyone to catch the train
- more spaces to securely lock your bike.
More green open spaces
Preston locals have told us they want to see more green open space. New open space around Preston Station will have planting, seating and greenery to create inviting places for the community to enjoy. There will be a series of paths connecting streets east and west, removing the former divide between communities.
Improved accessibility
We heard that creating a space that is accessible for everyone is a priority for locals.
The new Preston Station design meets Disability Discrimination Act 1992 requirements and Australian design standards for access and mobility. There will be lifts to the platform at each station entrance that will be big enough to accommodate mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams, and use a separate power supply.
The new waiting room will be located next to the ticket area for staff assistance and will include accessible toilets. Accessible permit parking, kiss-and-ride and taxi zones will be near station entrances.
Going green
Preston Station has green ambitions as a leader in sustainability.
Designed for water and energy efficiency, sustainable features include solar panels, rain water reuse, LED lighting in the station and car park, and environmentally sustainable materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Walking and cycling
The community has asked for more walking and cycling paths to safely move around the area.
We’re creating improved walking and cycling paths to provide more ways for locals and visitors to get to Preston Station.
To maintain safety for passengers that walk to the station there is a dedicated cycling path around Preston Station, separating cyclists from pedestrians in this busy area. A new shared walking and cycling path to the station makes it easy to access for passengers that walk and ride to Preston Station and for locals who shop at Preston Market.
There will be a new signalised pedestrian crossing on Murray Road and a zebra crossing on Cramer Street, providing a safer and more direct route for passengers walking and cycling to the station from the north and south.
Bike hoops outside the station provide parking spaces for 51 bikes and a new Parkiteer cage provides safe and secure storage for 52 bikes.
Car parking
Some locals told us they want more car parking and others wanted less. We’re maintaining the same number of car parks at Preston Station.
We’re upgrading and creating new car parking facilities to provide parking options to the north and south of Preston Station, with access from multiple streets. All 4 of Preston Station car parks will make it safer and easier to get to the station for commuters.
Accessible permit parking will be closest to the station entrance at the Cramer Street car park, ensuring equitable access for all members of the community. The new station car park will feature CCTV cameras and LED lighting for increased safety. The new car parks will include new planting and landscaping.
Connections to local transport
We heard that creating smoother and safer connections between trains and buses is important to Preston locals. The new station is designed to keep people moving and improve connections around the area.
There will be direct paths and a new signalised pedestrian crossing at Murray Road, making it safer and easier for passengers travelling by bus to get to the station.
We are extending the bus bay to allow space for an additional bus waiting to collect passengers from the train.
There will also be separate kiss-and-ride and taxi zones for easy pick-up and drop-off with access via Cramer Street.
Enhancing Preston’s vibrancy
We heard that arts and culture is important to the community.
Often referred to as the heart of Preston, the Preston Market is the inspiration for the colour palette used in the design for Preston Station.
The bright colours reflect the vibrancy of fresh produce and items from around the world, which can be found at nearby Preston Market. Like a barcode, the colours appear in harmony on the station facade but can stand out on their own and play with natural and artificial light.
The new Preston Station and elevated rail structure means that locals and Preston Market shoppers can enter and exit the new station safely via an east-west forecourt, allowing for faster, safer and more convenient access to the heart of Preston.
Bell Station
The new Bell Station reflects Preston’s rich history with references to post-war roof tops and the local art and culture scene. An extended forecourt creates open space between the new station and Bell Street with more planting, seating and a better east-west connection across the rail line – linking Garnet and Isaacs streets for pedestrians and cyclists, with features including:
- upgraded modern facilities and waiting rooms
- elevated platforms with seating protected from Melbourne’s weather
- lifts and stairs making it easier for everyone to catch the train
- more spaces to securely lock your bike.
More green open spaces
Preston locals have told us they want to see more green open space. Moving the new Bell Station about 40m south increases the amount of community open space. There will be paths that connect streets east and west, removing the former divide between communities. The area will also feature trees, seating and drinking fountains, creating a welcome respite area for passengers waiting for the train or locals travelling through the area.
Going green
Bell Station has green ambitions as a leader in sustainability. Designed for water and energy efficiency, sustainable features include solar panels, rain water reuse, LED lighting in the station and car park, and environmentally sustainable materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Walking and cycling
The community has asked for more walking and cycling paths to safely move around the area. We’re creating improved walking and cycling paths to provide more ways for locals and visitors to get to Bell Station.
To maintain safety for the 82% of passengers that walk to the station, there is a dedicated cycling path around Bell Station, separating cyclists from pedestrians in this busy area.
Bike hoops outside the station provide parking spaces for 28 bikes and a new Parkiteer cage provides safe and secure storage for 26 bikes. A signalised walking and cycling connection across Bell Street will provide safe access to all the new community open spaces under the rail bridge.
Car parking
Some locals told us they want more car parking and others wanted less. We’re maintaining the same number of car parks at Bell Station.
The new Bell Station car park will make it safer and easier to get to the station for commuters. Accessible permit parking will be located closest to the station entrance, ensuring equitable access for all members of the community. The new station car park will feature CCTV cameras and LED lighting for increased safety.
To create space for the new car park we’re relocating the Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) maintenance depot. This will reduce the number of trucks and large utility vehicles on Garnet, Adeline and Gertrude streets. The new car park will have 77 car spaces. In addition, there’ll be provision for 5 motorbike parking spaces.
Drivers will be able to access the new car park via Railway Place East and Gertrude Street, with an exit only at Adeline Street. Trees and shrubs will help create a barrier between homes and the station precinct.
Connections to local transport
We heard that creating smoother and safer connections between trains and buses is important to Preston locals.
The new station is designed to keep people moving and improve connections around the area.
Bell Street bus stops are being moved closer to the station and there’ll be a signalised pedestrian crossing at Bell Street, making it safer and easier for passengers travelling by bus to get to the station.
There will also be separate kiss-and-ride and taxi zones for easy pick-up and drop-off with access via Bell and Garnet streets.
Improved accessibility
We heard that creating a space that is accessible for everyone is a priority for locals.
The new Bell Station design meets Disability Discrimination Act 1992 requirements and Australian design standards for access and mobility. There will be lifts to the platform at each station entrance that will be big enough to accommodate mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams, and use a separate power supply.
The new waiting room will be located next to the ticket area for staff assistance and will include accessible toilets. Accessible permit parking, kiss-and-ride and taxi zones will be near station entrances.
How will we build the new rail bridges?
- Foundation works, known as piling, start by drilling holes up to 30m deep.
- A cylindrical, steel reinforcement cage is inserted into the hole.
- The hole is filled with concrete to form a pile.
- The piers, or bridge columns, are built on top of the piles, starting with a steel reinforcement cage.
- A steel mould is placed around the cage.
- Concrete is poured into the mould and cured to create the pier.
- Pre-cast headstocks are delivered to site and installed on top of each pier. Headstocks support the bridge spans and transfers the bridge load to the pier below.
- The bridge sections, known as U-troughs, are made up of 2 L-shaped beams installed on top of the headstocks. The 2 beams are joined with concrete to form a U-shape.
- Train tracks and ballast are laid.
- Signalling, communications and overhead power equipment is installed.
Other project facts
How many piers and U-troughs are needed for the rail bridges?
The bridge sections, known as U-troughs, are made up of 2 L-shaped beams installed on top of the headstocks. The 2 beams are joined with concrete to form a U-shape.
At Preston 232 L-shaped beams will be joined to form 116 U-troughs – this will become the base where we lay the train tracks and ballast.
How high will the rail bridge be – from the ground to the base of the rail bridge?
- Oakover Road: 5.1m
- Bell Street: 7.6m
- Cramer Street: 6.8m
- Murray Road: 6.8m
- Bell Station: 6.3m
- Preston Station: 5.7m
Are there 24 hours works during construction?
Yes. At times we’ll need to work during the night. When 24-hour work is anticipated, we’ll provide you with plenty of notice.
Will the Mernda line be closed during construction?
At times we will close sections of the Mernda line, with buses replacing trains.
The closures will be no longer than 12 consecutive days. We’ll provide you with plenty of notice before any closures.
Plan your journey on the Mernda Line by visiting the Public Transport Victoria website or by calling 1800 800 007.
Contact us
Get in touch with us for any queries you have about our projects 24 hours, 7 days on 1800 105 105.