The project will remove four level crossings at Bell Street, Munro Street and Reynard Street in Coburg, and Moreland Road in Brunswick by elevating a section of the Upfield line.
The $542.4m contract will also include two new stations designed by architecture firm Wood Marsh at Coburg and Moreland. The elevation of the rail line will also create opportunities for community open spaces, as well as improved cycling and walking connections.
At Moreland Station, the Moreland Station Reserve aims to link both sides of the precinct, and will comprise of landscaped gardens, a nature playground, barbeque facilities and greenery.
The existing heritage-listed Coburg and Moreland stations will be retained and repurposed to integrate with the new stations.
It is estimated that around 68,000 vehicles use these level crossings each day, with the boom gates down for up to 25% of the morning peak. The removal of these level crossings seeks to improve safety and alleviate congestion, thereby improving east-west connections.
An alliance consisting of John Holland Group, Kellogg Brown and Root and Metro Trains Melbourne has been appointed to conduct works for the project.
Investigative works and service relocations are being carried out, to prepare for major construction to start next year. The level crossings are expected to be gone in late 2020, with the open space under the stations ready in 2021.
Cover Image: Artist impression of the new Coburg Station. (Image: State Government of Victoria)