The level crossing removal work throughout the suburbs of Melbourne has headed north.
The 2.5km elevated rail bridge1 along the Upfield Line was completed in November 2020, two weeks ahead of schedule. Four sets of boom gates over Bell, Munro and Reynard Streets in Coburg, and Moreland Road in Brunswick were removed, making intersections less congested and increasing safety for the community. Construction of the rail bridge consists of 268 bridge beams, each weighing 110 tonnes and measures more than 30 metres in length. Two custom-built 90 tonnes gantry cranes from the United States were used to access the build in a narrow corridor. At the peak of construction, the two cranes were installing fourteen beams each day, helping to get the job done faster2.
Work is now focussed on rebuilding two new stations at Coburg and Moreland, while carefully restoring heritage features, reflecting key elements of colour and texture into the new designs. Coburg Station will include a customer service office, accessible toilets, a pod for Protective Service Officers (PSOs) and a climate-controlled waiting area. Moreland Station will include sheltered seating and new facilities for PSOs and indigenous heritage landscaping around the station. Work continues on landscaping and open space underneath the elevated railway, and car parking will be available in 20213.
The new stations are expected to be open to the public in mid-December.
Upgrades to public infrastructure benefits everyone. The open spaces incorporate features suggested in feedback by community members and stakeholders, and will include playgrounds, exercise equipment, half-size basketball courts, table tennis tables, and skating and parkour areas. The rail bridge and new stations will be travelled on and utilised by commuters for decade.
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1 Sourced: https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/upfield-line-back-on-track
2 All info in this para sourced: as above