The 31st level crossing in Melbourne has been removed, with trains now travelling over a brand new rail bridge over High Street in Preston.
Reservoir Station and the intersection at High Street is now open, marking the end of a two week long construction blitz involving 250 workers operating 24/7.
Traffic can now flow beneath the bridge, providing the 36,000 vehicles that use the intersection daily a safer and more reliable journey.
Related stories:
- Victoria to build two new stations and a skyrail
- Eight new level crossings to be removed in Melbourne
- Works ramp up on Melbourne rail network
The kilometre-long bridge, new signalling equipment and station canopy have been completed, with finishing works on the project to continue into 2020. This includes installing permanent stairs and lifts at the station and landscaping with more than 300 trees and 60,000 shrubs and grasses around the station precinct.
Workers will also install new street furniture, signage and reinstate the bus interchange and shared user path.
Removing the level crossing and creating a new civic plaza in the station precinct aims to improve pedestrian connectivity between Edwardes Street and Broadway. Pedestrians will no longer be cut off from shops or destinations on the opposite side of the railway.