Road and rail upgrades that deliver better transport connections and support tens of thousands of new jobs will ramp up over spring.
Following the removal of four dangerous and congested level crossings in May, the opening of Bell and Preston stations on 5 September and new elevated rail track will help service the transport needs of Victorians.
Victorians are asked to prepare for disruptions on the Hurstbridge and Mernda lines, as well as three major road upgrades throughout spring.
To get the new stations ready for business, buses will replace trains on sections of the Mernda Line from 9pm Friday 26 August to last service Sunday 4 September. Following this, Bell Street will be closed from Tuesday 27 September to Sunday 2 October for resurfacing.
As part of the Hurstbridge Line Duplication there will be a new 50 metre bridge craned into place over the Plenty River and work on platforms for the new Montmorency Station will commence.
Buses will also replace trains between Macleod and Hurstbridge from 8.30pm Tuesday 6 September to last service Monday 19 September to allow delivery of an extended platform at Diamond Creek Station and new pedestrian crossing behind Diamond Valley College.
The project will deliver duplicate track between Greensborough and Montmorency and Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen by mid 2023 and allow more trains to run more often.
While the Hurstbridge Line is closed, work on track, signal testing and further upgrades between Macleod and Greensborough Stations for the North East Link will also commence.
On the roads, works to realign a section of Greensborough Road between Wattle Drive and Watsonia Road will continue throughout spring, with partial weekend closures of the Greensborough Road and Watsonia Road intersection planned in September and October.
The realignment will be complete in late October, ensuring traffic can keep moving while the North East Link tunnels are built.
Crews will also be working to get the Bulleen Park & Ride facility completed by the end of 2022 – four years ahead of schedule. There will be intermittent lane closure along Thompsons Road between the Eastern Freeway and Hugo Street to facilitate this.
Congestion is already easing in Templestowe, after major works at Foote Street-Williamsons Road were completed, upgrading the intersection with extended turn lanes and additional approach lanes. Finishing works will continue until later in the year to complete asphalting, line-marking, signage installation and final utility works.
Victorians are asked to visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au to plan their journey, as well as continue to wear a mask while on public transport.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“There is so much for locals to look forward to with works progressing on North East Link, the Hurstbridge Line Upgrade and the opening of the new Bell and Preston stations. Along with the removal of four level crossings, we are delivering on improved transport connectivity for the north east.”
“We are delivering the biggest investment in transport infrastructure in the state’s history. This includes new roads, new stations, road widenings, new bridges and the removal of 85 level crossings.We thank Victorians for their patience as we get on and deliver the largest ever pipeline of transport upgrades in Victoria’s history.“
As stated by Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“We’re helping people get around the north east easier than ever before – new stations and track duplication at Greensborough and Montmorency, and track duplication between Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen allows more trains, more often, less crowding and improved connections.
“The benefits from the North East Link alongside our level crossing removals and public transport investment is building for Victoria’s future and backing thousands of Victorian jobs.”
