A construction blitz in Melbourne’s north will see the dangerous and congested level crossing at Keon Parade go a year ahead of schedule in May and the new Keon Park Station open this Spring.
Buses will replace trains in sections of the Mernda Line from 9pm, Tuesday 30 April to last service Tuesday 7 May, as a crew of 250 people work around the clock on the rail bridge that will take trains over Keon Parade.
Trains will start running on the new bridge on Wednesday 8 May, but will not stop at Keon Park Station, as works continue on the new station. A shuttle bus will run between Ruthven and Thomastown to connect Keon Park passengers with trains.
Works will continue on the new station over the next few months, including installing lifts and stairs, reinstating more than 160 car spaces and planting more than 45,000 trees, shrubs and grasses around the station precinct.
When the new station opens, it will give passengers improved connections between bus and train services and locals will have a new link to the Johnson Street shops.
It will also feature elevated platforms with access via lifts and stairs, shelter and lighting, secure bike storage, two car parking areas and more paths through the precinct.
As crews remove boom gates and resurface roads, Keon Parade will be closed at the level crossing from midnight Monday 29 April to 6am, Monday 20 May and sections of the Keon Parade, Mahoneys Road and High Street intersection will be closed overnight on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May.
With the level crossing gone, Keon Parade will open on Monday 20 May, cutting travel times and improving safety.
The project will reduce congestion for more than 18,000 vehicles travelling through this level crossing each weekday, with boom gates down for more than 41 minutes during the morning peak, 7am to 9am.
During works passengers need to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Visit here.
The Victorian Government is removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2030, with 75 already gone for good, boosting safety and easing congestion.
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