Bell Street LEVEL CROSSING PRESTON REMOVAL UPDATE ISSUE #2 – NOVEMBER 2019

Four level crossings going, Why these level two new stations on the way crossings have to go 82,000 vehicles We’re removing the dangerous The design of the rail bridge will maximise open space and allow for use these four level and congested level crossings future upgrades on the line. crossings each day at Murray Road, Cramer Street, Bell Street and Oakover As we continue to develop our plans, we want to hear what's important to Boom gates are Road, Preston, and building the community in and around Preston. down for 40% of new Bell and Preston stations. the morning peak Share your ideas online or at our By raising the rail over the roads, ‘conversation booths’ coming soon we will deliver new community to your local area. See the back More than 200 trains open spaces, two new stations, page for details. travel through these crossings each day and improve safety. Early works will begin in 2020 and the We will introduce vibrant new open level crossings will be removed by the space under the two kilometre rail end of 2022, with the open space ready The Mernda line bridge and a community advisory panel for locals to enjoy in 2023. carries about 33,428 will provide locals with the opportunity passengers per day to directly contribute to the design of these areas.

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Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Preston Level Crossing Removal Project

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What we are doing Key considerations What we’re building

Detailed planning by engineers, including New station precincts Mernda railway line geotechnical and engineering assessments, has determined the best way to remove the We will build new stations for Bell and Preston, creating This section of the Mernda line is one of the most level crossing, working within the significant more open and welcoming areas with upgraded facilities challenging we’ve worked in for several reasons: and improved security. constraints on this line. Walking and cycling path – Noble Park • A bend in the track just north of Bell Station currently More open spaces limits the speed and frequency of services on the • The new rail bridge will have twin viaducts, made Mernda line. from locally manufactured concrete segments known as U-troughs. By elevating the rail, we will create new open space, • The Epping train maintenance depot services around half improved east-west connections and bring the community of Melbourne’s train fleet, meaning generally the Mernda • We're also future-proofing the line to run more together. A community advisory panel will ensure the space line cannot be closed for extended periods without cutting frequent services by slightly straightening the reflects Preston's unique culture and identity. train services across Melbourne's rail network. track's curve after Bell Street. • We'll work closely with Heritage and other stakeholders to ensure the significance of heritage items Improved walking Preston Market connections are preserved and any potential impacts are managed. and cycling tracks The Preston Market redevelopment is being delivered by Locals can look forward to new walking and cycling Open spaces – Clayton the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) and Darebin City connections, making it easier to walk and ride to key Council and we will work closely with them to ensure destinations such as the Preston Market. positive outcomes for the wider community.

Landscaping – Middle Gorge Station Example of U-trough We want your Project timeline local knowledge 2017-2018 • Site investigations What are your priorities for the local area? What • Technical and would you like to see delivered as part of the project? engineering assessments • Government commitment to This is your chance to tell us how you move around your remove additional crossings neighbourhood, what’s unique to the area and what might on the Mernda line make it even better. 2019 You can share your views with us via our online engagement hub at your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au from 25 November until • Confirm design 13 December. • Further engineering investigations Stay up to date with the project at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or chat to one of our project team who will be in the local shopping • Community engagement precinct and at Bell and Preston stations over the coming weeks. on what’s important to the Preston community

2020 Preston Open Space • Concept designs • Nominations for Preston Advisory Panel Open Space Advisory Panel • Further community The land below the two kilometre rail bridge will engagement on defined, become new open space, which could include new negotiable elements of the design walking and cycling paths, places to play and relax, • Design finalised or feature public art. These areas can provide a • Early work begins great new community asset for generations to come. 2021 There will be a range of opportunities for the community to provide input and feedback about the open space on the project over the • Construction coming months. The local community will have a chance to directly contribute to the design of the open space with the formation of a 2022 Preston Open Space Advisory Panel (POSAP). • Level crossings removed and stations opened More details about the POSAP, and how you can get involved, will be shared early in the new year with nominations opening 2023 in early 2020. • Open space ready for locals to enjoy

Cramer Street level crossing

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