10 May 2022

The removal of the level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road will reach an exciting milestone this month with the removal of boom gates and the completion of the city-bound rail bridge. Trains will begin running on the new rail bridge on 30 May.

Around 82,000 vehicles pass through these level crossings on the Mernda line each day, with the boom gates down for up to 40 per cent of the morning peak.

From the end of this month, cars will no longer stop for trains at these four level crossings and Bell Street will be level crossing free.

Bell Street is a key arterial road in the north that connect motorists from the Tullamarine Freeway in the west all the way to Doncaster in the east.

With the Bell Street level crossings gone in Preston and Coburg – nearly 100,000 motorists will enjoy safer and less congested travel.

There will be major works this month to make sure the bridge is ready for trains – look inside for more detail on our works and changes to how you travel in Preston.

Preston traffic changes in May

There will be changes to how you move around Preston while we finish the city-bound rail bridge.

To make sure the rail bridge is ready for passengers, the team will work 24/7 from Tuesday 17 May to Monday 30 May.

See the following road and rail impacts below.

Buses replace trains

Buses will replace trains on sections of the Mernda line from 9pm Tuesday 17 May to last service Sunday 29 May.

Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

Road closures

Road closures

Dates and times

Oakover Road closed at the level crossing

  • 12am to 9pm Wednesday 18 May

Bell Street closed at the level crossing

  • 9pm Wednesday 18 May to 5am Thursday 19 May

Cramer Street closed at the level crossing

  • 9pm Tuesday 17 May to 6am Wednesday 18 May
  • 7pm Wednesday 25 May to 5am Thursday 26 May

Murray Road closed at the level crossing

  • 12am to 6am Wednesday 18 May
  • 7am to 6pm Monday 23 May
  • 7am to 6pm Tuesday 24 May

What to expect during 24/7 works

From Tuesday 17 May to Monday 30 May the Preston Level Crossing Removal Project will work 24/7 to get the city-bound rail bridge ready for trains.

Work will include:

  • removing the boom gates at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road
  • removing old station platforms, tracks and rail infrastructure
  • tying in the old tracks with the new
  • commissioning the new rail bridge and running test trains
  • upgrading the Smith Street pedestrian rail crossing in Thornbury.

We will also continue to work on the Mernda-bound rail bridge and the new stations at Bell and Preston.

When these works conclude, trains will travel on the completed rail bridge while the team continues work on the second bridge. Train passengers will have a good view of the works through winter when the Mernda line travels on a single track between Regent and Thornbury.

Bell and Preston stations closed for works

From 30 May the 4 Preston level crossings will be gone, and the Mernda line will begin to take passengers over the citybound rail bridge in Preston.

The team will still need to complete the Mernda-bound bridge and the new stations. To keep the trains running while we finish the project, trains will run on a single track for three months.

This construction method is called single line running. During this time, trains will not stop at Bell and Preston stations. A shuttle bus service will operate between Reservoir and Thornbury stations for train passengers who need to get on or off at Bell and Preston stations.

By early September, both bridges will be complete, and the new stations will be open to passengers while we add the finishing touches to the station buildings.

Mernda line impacts

Mid May

  • Boom gates gone

30 May

  • Single line running starts
  • Bell and Preston stations closed
  • Shuttle bus operating between Reservoir and Thornbury for passengers who want to get on or off at Preston and Bell

Early September

  • Both rail bridges complete
  • New stations open
  • Timeline subject to change

Winter Bell Street closures in Preston

While we work on completing the second rail bridge in Preston, there will be changes to how you move about the area.

In June and July we will have some weekend and night time closures of Bell Street at the level crossing.

Detailed closure times will be released closer to the time. For the most up to date information, check our website and sign up for email updates or text PRESTON to 0428 581 917.

Getting to know our project team: Nick, Delivery Manager

I am the Delivery Manager at Preston Level Crossing Removal Project. I have been a part of the team since the project at Camp Road, Campbellfield. Originally from Sydney, I’ve been in Melbourne for 6 years, married and we have a little one year old boy. House renovating enthusiast.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I spend a bit of time out on site, but also have quite a few meetings throughout the day. Mostly internal meetings with the team, but also a big part of my job is catching up with key stakeholders.

Where is your favourite place to shop in Preston?

Publique Bakery, for a morning coffee and sometimes a ham and cheese croissant.

Easter fun at Preston Market

Thanks to everyone who attended our Easter event on Wednesday 13 April – there was lots of fun to be had with face painting, colouring and cut out trains to make.

There were also delicious treats with hot cross buns and chocolate Easter Eggs. We even had a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Project timeline

Timeline subject to change.

2020

  • Concept designs
  • Preston Open Space Advisory Panel formed
  • Designs finalised
  • Early works begin

Early 2021

  • Construction starts

Mid 2021

  • Stations demolished
  • Bridge construction starts

Mid 2022

  • City-bound rail bridge complete
  • Single line running starts

Late 2022

  • Level crossings removed
  • Bell and Preston stations open

2023

  • Open space complete