Demolition has begun on Reservoir station to make way for a new transport hub and remove a notorious level crossing in Melbourne.
The station will be rebuilt as part of a new rail bridge, which will include above ground platforms with stairs and elevators. It will also have a forecourt accessible from either side of the station and safer waiting areas, better lighting and modern facilities.
A pair of piling rigs are set to arrive on site to begin laying the foundations for the rail bridge, with 200 construction workers expected to be on site.
It is part of the Victorian Government’s construction blitz across the state which will impact nine different metropolitan and regional train lines as works on the Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals and major power and signalling improvements ramp up.
Around 36,000 vehicles travel through the Reservoir level crossing each day, with the six boom gates delaying traffic for up to 24 minutes during the two-hour morning peak.
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It is also the site of three recorded collisions, a fatality and 26 near misses.
“We’re getting rid of this notorious bottleneck in the heart of Reservoir and with construction well underway the level crossing will be gone for good by next year,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.
Member for Preston Robin Scott said it is great to see the massive project taking shape.
“I don’t think anyone is sorry to see the old Reservoir Station now gone, and work ramping up on the level crossing removal,” Scott said.
The level crossing removal and new station are scheduled to be completed in 2020.