Construction has begun to remove the Reservoir level crossing in Melbourne’s north, with designs also released for an innovative rail bridge that will replace it.
The initial phase of construction includes site investigation and establishment works. The design will involve elevating the rail line over High Street with a rail bridge and a new, modern Reservoir train station and public plaza to be built.
The new premium station will include above ground platforms with access via lifts and stairs. The new station forecourt will be accessible from either side of the station plaza and have safer waiting areas, better lighting and station facilities.
During the planning stage, a number of design options for removing the level crossing were investigated and the preferred design of elevating the rail line above High Street was considered the best outcome.
The elevated rail design will create better connections for pedestrians and cyclists, and future opportunities for new public open space and other future transport upgrades.
On average, 36,000 vehicles travel through the Reservoir level crossing each day with the boom gates down for 24 minutes during the morning peak. In the past decade there were three recorded collisions and one fatality plus 26 near miss incidents at this site.
Construction activities are underway with site establishment, geotechnical investigations and the relocation of services.
The level crossing removal comes in addition to the State Government’s commitment to build the Suburban Rail Loop which will connect every major train line, reducing congestion across the transport network and building a new station at Reservoir.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority will be engaging with the community in the coming months to get ideas on design elements for the upgraded station precinct. The project is scheduled to be complete in 2020.
