A wave of investment, renewal and precinct growth continues to shape the northern edge of Macquarie Park, where daily life is supported by a rare combination of university activity, corporate employment, major retail, and expansive green corridors. It’s this convergence of amenity and connectivity underpins the setting for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a>, which has now topped out and is tracking toward completion in mid-2026.

Within this pocket of the precinct, residents move easily between the area’s key anchors. Macquarie Centre, home to more than 360 retailers, fresh food offerings, dining and entertainment, sits at the heart of local convenience and functions as a major transport interchange. The Metro, T1 rail line and extensive bus network place much of Sydney within quick reach, while surrounding arterial links support direct access to neighbouring districts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5829]

Green space remains a defining feature of the immediate environment. Lane Cove National Park stretches along the northern boundary of the precinct, offering bushland trails, cycling routes and quiet riverfront pockets. Shrimptons Creek and the campus grounds of Macquarie University extend these recreational networks, softening the urban setting and creating a daily connection to nature that informs the project’s architectural response.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> have shaped La Vera around these contrasts. The building’s northern elevation adopts an organic, curvilinear form that mirrors the natural topography of the national park. Three sculpted forms soften the tower’s profile and encourage a stronger transition between indoor living areas, balconies and the broader landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223737]

Cox Director Felipe Miranda says the building’s outlook played a central role in the design process.

“The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park… The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies,” Felipe Miranda of Cox Architecture said.

Toward the city-facing side, the design shifts to a more urban expression. A gridded facade and extensive glazing capture CBD views, creating a dual strategy that blends ecological outlooks with metropolitan orientation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5827]

La Vera delivers 169 residences across one- to four-bedroom layouts, reflecting the needs of young families, downsizers, first-home buyers and investors seeking long-term certainty within a high-amenity location. From the project, residents can walk to Macquarie University, Macquarie Hospital and nearby corporate offices, reach national park trails within minutes, and enjoy retail and dining without relying on a car.

The project is delivered by Urban Property Group, a 4.5-star iCIRT-rated developer-builder with more than three decades of experience. The company has become a leader in adopting 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), first introduced on its Parq Bexley development and now embedded into its pipeline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223727]

La Vera is the first development in Macquarie Park approved to offer this 10-year LDI policy, adding another layer of protection for purchasers and reinforcing the transparency of the construction process.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias says this assurance has become increasingly important for buyers navigating the off-the-plan market.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been… Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share,” Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said.

Urban Property Group's in-house construction team is forecasting a mid-2026 completion, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/home789">HOME789</a> appointed as the project marketer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Staff Writer

La Vera delivers a nature-connected address within Macquarie Park’s core

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

Level crossing removals

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The Victorian State Government has unveiled designs for two new stations along the Frankston line as part of  the removal of three dangerous and congested level crossings in Cheltenham and Mentone which will also create new community spaces.

According to the State Government, the level crossing removals at Park Road and Charman Road in Cheltenham, and Balcombe Road in Mentone, currently hold up 38,000 vehicles every day.

Early works are already underway, with major construction to begin by mid-2019 and will take around 18 months. This stage of construction works will lower the rail line into trenches and allow for the construction of two new stations.

A two-month construction blitz will commence in mid-2020 comprising excavation works on the trenches, works on the new rail line and removal all three crossings in one fell swoop.

The heritage-listed station buildings at Cheltenham and Mentone will be retained and restored as part of the design of the new station precincts, while a third track will be built at Cheltenham Station to allow for increased train services along the Frankston line.

The project will involve the creation of more than three kilometres of walking and cycling paths connecting the stations, improved lighting and accessibility, landscaping, new open space, parking, and potential residential and retail development on adjacent sites, similar to <a href="/news/glenarm-square-to-transform-gardiner-station-into-a-thriving-community-space">Glenarm Square at Gardiner Station</a>.

The five heritage-listed trees in the Mentone station gardens will be protected in their current location during construction and a major landscaping program will create a new ‘garden bridge’ across the rail trench near Balcombe Road, expanding the much-loved station garden.

The contract for the work has been awarded to the Lendlease, Acciona Coleman Rail, WSP and Metro Trains Melbourne alliance that has already removed the Seaford Road level crossing and is removing three crossings in Carrum.

This $536 million package of works are part of a continued $3 billion investment on the Frankston line which involves the removal of 18 level crossings and construction of 11 new stations. Already five level crossings along the Frankston line have been removed. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/54515297_2214750501922807_4108230055069483008_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View from platforms at the new Cheltenham Station. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="248" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/54515297_2214750501922807_4108230055069483008_o.jpg?itok=yJ_x2jep" title="View from platforms at the new Cheltenham Station. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View from platforms at the new Cheltenham Station. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure><h2>Balcombe Road, Mentone</h2>

According to the Level Crossing Removal Project <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/cheltenham-and-mentone-level-crossing-removals-are-go">website</a>, initial works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Balcombe Road, Mentone are underway, with major works to begin mid 2019.

In mid 2020, a two-month construction blitz will dig trenches, build the new rail line and remove all three crossings, minimising disruption for commuters.

The suburbs are going to have a busy year with two new stations being built as part of the project. The new stations will include open spaces, landscaping and direct connections across the rail lines through to shopping precincts.

The much-loved Mentone Station gardens will be upgraded, with the five heritage-listed trees protected in their current spots during construction.

The heritage station buildings will be refurbished while we work on the new Mentone Station. The new station will be 150 metres south, meaning the platforms will be closer to ground level and the rail trench shorter.

<h2>Charman and Park roads, Cheltenham</h2>

The new Cheltenham Station will have a plaza says the Level Crossing Removal Authority, connecting Cheltenham Park with the shopping area. The existing palm trees will be returned to the station precinct when construction is complete.

The third rail line, currently a dead-end, into Cheltenham Station will be connected. This will allow for more trains, more often on the Frankston line once the Metro Tunnel is open.

<h2>Project timeline</h2>

<ul>
<li>March 2019: updated designs announced</li>
	<li>April 2019: Site set up and enabling works</li>
	<li>Mid 2019: Main construction begins</li>
	<li>Mid 2020: Rail line closes for two months</li>
	<li>Late 2020: New Mentone and Cheltenham stations open</li>
	<li>Early 2021: Mentone project complete</li>
	<li>Mid 2021: Cheltenham project complete</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/53506296_2214769561920901_869889859949428736_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Heritage structures to be retained and restored at Mentone. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/53506296_2214769561920901_869889859949428736_o.jpg?itok=nhxwyGHZ" title="Heritage structures to be retained and restored at Mentone. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Heritage structures to be retained and restored at Mentone. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure><h2>
What they say </h2>

<blockquote>
"We’re getting rid of another three level crossings on the Frankston line. The existing heritage-listed stations – both of which opened in the early 1880s – will be preserved for future generations.

Walking and cycling paths will connect the two. And we’ll build a third track at Cheltenham so we can run more trains, more often.

Best of all? Major works start mid-2019."

- Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/DanielAndrewsMP/posts/?ref=page_internal">via Facebook</a>
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“We’re getting rid of these death traps – making Cheltenham and Mentone safer, and delivering brand new stations and more open space.

 Cheltenham and Mentone are going to have a busy year and I thank residents in advance for their patience during construction, which will deliver more trains, more often.”

- Jacinta Allan, Minister for Transport Infrastructure
</blockquote>

Click on the gallery below to view images of the new stations. 
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Laurence Dragomir

Designs unveiled for Mentone and Cheltenham Stations with work set to commence mid-year

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The Kororoit Creek Road level crossing in Williamstown North has been completed one week ahead of schedule just as community consultation starts ramping up on the Moreland Road, Brunswick and Bell Street, Coburg level crossing removal projects.

On Monday the Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, announced trains would start to roll again on the Altona Loop today (Monday), one week ahead of schedule at the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing removal program in Williamstown North.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority has built a new rail bridge over the road and has also duplicated a portion of the Altona loop line from the junction with the main Werribee Line to Kororoit Creek itself.

Another construction blitz is set to start in late August with the government confirming buses will replace trains on some sections of the Craigieburn between August 24th and September 9th to enable work to ramp up on the Buckley Street level crossing.

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Buckley Street itself will be closed for a period of 52 days from the evening on August 9th.

For a period of six weeks, Seaford Road and Railway Parade will be closed from August 17th to enable the Seaford Road level crossing to be removed.  Buses will replace trains southwards from Carrum on the weekend of 18th-19th August and the 8th and 16th of September.

Buckley Street and Seaford Road road underpasses will both be re-opened to traffic at the end of their respective shutdown periods.

Between August 28th and the 8th of September, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Cranbourne as work enters the final stretch on the Abbotts Road level crossing removal project in Dandenong South.

Abbotts Road like Skye/Overton Road north of Frankston is a rail bridge over the existing road level.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/railover-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rail over road scenario for Bell Street would also see Munro Street level crossing removed. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/railover-2.jpg?itok=lt3R7R20" title="Rail over road scenario for Bell Street would also see Munro Street level crossing removed. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rail over road scenario for Bell Street would also see Munro Street level crossing removed. Image: <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/publications/bell-street-coburg-and-moreland-road-brunswick-removing-a-level-crossing">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>Originally announced as part of a wider package two years ago, the Moreland Road (Brunswick) and Bell Street (Coburg) level crossing removal projects are now entering their main public consultation phase.

Diagrams posted on the Level Crossing Removal Authority's <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/publications/bell-street-coburg-and-moreland-road-brunswick-removing-a-level-crossing">website</a> show that in both cases road under rail or road over rail design and engineering solutions have been ruled out for those two-level crossing removals.

If a rail over road solution is chosen, in Coburg's case, there is an added bonus that Munro Street would also be removed at the same time as completing Bell Street's level crossing removal.

Community drop-in sessions were held last week however feedback can still be lodged on <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/publications/bell-street-coburg-and-moreland-road-brunswick-removing-a-level-crossing">levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Level crossing removal projects: 1 newly complete, 3 about to go, 2 enter consultation phase

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Test trains have begun running on the new rail infrastructure that has been built as part of the Mernda extension of the South Morang line in Melbourne's outer north east.

Trains used to run as far as Whittlesea 60 years ago before the line was truncated.  Metro services were extended from Epping to South Morang in 2012, the latest extension project to Mernda brings trains back to within 7-8km of Whittlesea.

The impetus for rebuilding the railway line is the outward expansion of Melbourne's northern suburbs which for the most part has run into the urban growth boundary around between Mernda and Yan Yean.

Apart from ensuring the new rails, catenary and signalling are all in working work also extends to getting exact times for a new timetable that is expected to be in place by the end of the year.

Three stations are being added to the South Morang line - Middle Gorge, Hawkstowe and Mernda - which is expected to be used by 8000 passengers a day once opened.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/mernda_traintest2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Driver's eye view of the new track - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mernda_traintest2.jpg?itok=zbqLr04Q" title="Driver's eye view of the new track - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Driver's eye view of the new track - image: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levelcrossings/photos/ms.c.eJxFy8ENgDAMA8CNkJ3UibP~;YkiFwvekC1Az2RIXp~_qKF7ihcUD0amXkgfIGfEUP8AfQcMk3F2AUkQ~-~-.bps.a.1524062634335083.1073741886.843601892381164/2015993588475316/?type=3&amp;theater">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>The new station at Mernda will be integrated into the new Mernda Town Centre which could see up to <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/longawaited-mernda-town-centre-shifts-north-under-revised-plans/news-story/9d74745b1a470dbde9abd84d544a88c7">6 level mixed-use</a> and residential building proposed and built adjacent to the station.

The town centre plan will see a large retail core that will include multiple supermarkets and discount department stores with employment uses expected to be developed in later stages.

Differing scales of residential development will be added to the southern end of the town centre.

In terms of the existing development pipeline along the new rail extension, there are three projects, clustered near South Morang.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/mernda_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Mernda Town Centre Plan - image: City of Whittlesea"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="505" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mernda_plan.png?itok=lQkgabXV" title="Mernda Town Centre Plan - image: City of Whittlesea" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mernda Town Centre Plan - image: City of Whittlesea</figcaption></figure>To read more about the Mernda Town Centre, see <a href="https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/building-planning-development/future-development-plans/place-snapshots-a-guide-to-development-in-your-area/place-snapshot-mernda/mernda-town-centre/">whittlesea.vic.gov.au</a>,
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Test trains start rolling on the new rails to Mernda

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<h2>Comment</h2>

Hold your horses, before everyone gets too excited about extended length trains or quadruple tracks between Caulfield and Oakleigh that will likely force property acquisition in an area that's just seen - still seeing rather - a change in its rail corridor, everyone should sit down with a warm cup of tea and breathe.

The goal of quadruplication - adding another two tracks to an existing two-track rail corridor - is to allow faster services with less stops, to give other types of rail traffic priority or a combination of the two.

Melbourne media's favourite infrastructure story honeypot over the past two years has been the level crossing removal project, specifically the impacts on residents affected by the changes made to the rail corridor and stations between Caulfield and Oakleigh.  Yesterday in <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/residents-could-face-more-sky-rail-pain-as-expert-says-work-needed-20180621-p4zmr3">The Age</a>, we had the latest instalment.

The story by Age Transport reporter Timna Jacks confirms what the level crossing removal authority's social media team have posted in response to questions on its facebook page and have listed on their FAQ section for the Caulfield to Dandenong corridor.  That is, even though corridor expansion (through adding more track) is not within the Level Crossing Removal Authority's scope, the current construction work and newly upgraded corridor won't preclude expansion.

<blockquote>
The PTV document also confirms plans to build a third and fourth track between Caulfield and Dandenong, which would enable express V/Line trains to run to and from the city.

Building the two tracks would be expensive and complex, particularly along the rail corridor, which is just 20 metres wide at its narrowest point between Murrumbeena and Carnegie.

The new tracks would likely require homes to be acquired in suburbs where property prices are more than $1 million.

Level Crossing Removal Authority chief executive Kevin Devlin said the authority had "no plans to build a third or fourth track on the Cranbourne/Pakenham line".
<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/residents-could-face-more-sky-rail-pain-as-expert-says-work-needed-20180621-p4zmr3"><cite>The Age</cite></a>
</blockquote>

The expense and complexity of adding more tracks to the Dandenong rail corridor won't solely be focused on the stations and the narrow corridor between Caulfield and Oakleigh, but between Caulfield and the city.

Because you wouldn't add two more tracks and not continue the extra track to its ultimate destination (the city) - that would only serve to limit capacity on the quadruple track section of the corridor. Two tiers of service through the suburbs, express and stopping all stations, which then have to fight for capacity in the inner-city takes us back to square one, especially when regional and freight trains are involved like they are on the Dandenong corridor.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/murrumbeena_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Murrumbeena station during the final days of major construction works - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/murrumbeena_0.jpg?itok=fy45FN31" title="Murrumbeena station during the final days of major construction works - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Murrumbeena station during the final days of major construction works - image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>The Melbourne Metro project will orphan a track pair from South Yarra towards the city - and this has been acknowledged in the 2013-era network development plan; electrified Geelong services would terminate here according to the final phase of the document - but it's also a candidate for re-activation for even more Dandenong corridor capacity.

Caulfield to South Yarra might be able to fit another a track pair on the surface if:

<ol>
<li>heritage issues are of no concern in order to radically redesign the tracks and platforms through the 'MATH' (Malvern-Armadale-Toorak-Hawksburn) stations.</li>
	<li>the government of the day is happy to widen every overbridge through the area.</li>
	<li>significant amounts of properties are acquired including an apartment tower that abuts the rail corridor in South Yarra and possibly all the retail premises on either side of the Chapel Street bridge.</li>
</ol>
It would take a government with a lot of political capital to burn to go down, pardon a pun, that route. It's fairly safe to completely write that idea off.

If there is no pressing need to give regional and freight services a faster path through the city, four tracks could be built from Dandenong to Oakleigh and then connected with the Glen Waverley or Alamein lines through a relatively short tunnel, adding Chadstone to the rail network, therefore allowing the extra trains to travel on rail corridors that have a lot more capacity to burn compared to the Dandenong corridor.

This would provide a good out-of-town connection in an area that will see a lot more employment focus in future, but provide a fast &amp; clear path for regional and freight services it will not.

It would have once been considered gold-plating but seeing how the NSW government is building Australia's first real metro (that, very much, would have been written off as gold-plating 10 years ago) and the real expense in adding more tracks to the Dandenong corridor is to do it utilising the only realistic option to connect a third track pair between South Yarra and Caulfield: a tunnel. 

(It's an opportune time to remind everyone the original East-West needs assessment, 'The Eddington Study', that first brought the metro tunnel into public consciousness would have done just this - a tunnel (built in two phases) from South Kensington to Caulfield).

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/carnegie.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Carnegie station just before trains switched to the new upper level - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/carnegie.jpg?itok=ZnEFt_o8" title="Carnegie station just before trains switched to the new upper level - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Carnegie station just before trains switched to the new upper level - image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levelcrossings/photos/a.1989028387838503.1073741905.843601892381164/1989032221171453/?type=3&amp;theater">Level Crossing Removal Authority</a>.
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Forget Carnegie, Murrumbeena, the real expense in expanding the Dandenong corridor lies elsewhere

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Despite some unrelated signalling issues around Cardinia Road on Monday morning, the trains are back and all the level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong have been removed in south east Melbourne's busiest rail corridor.

Likewise, the new Frankston station was opened to passengers today that will also see Frankston trains use the new Skye/Overton Road bridges.  Frankston line trains will also be using new temporary track through the site of the Seaford Road level crossing removal project.

Carnegie and Murrumbeena stations are now open, albeit with temporarily reduced accessibility - the stations are only accessible via temporary stairs while work continues below the train deck. Hughesdale station is still a few months away from opening.

Trumpeting the government's progress, removing more than their original target of 20 in the first term of government, the Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, said the removal of level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong has paved the way to run more trains more often.

"No government has ever removed this many level crossings, this quickly. As we reach the half way point of the project, we celebrate the significant progress we’ve made but recognise there is still plenty more to do," the Minister said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
Every level crossing between Caulfield and Dandenong is done and dusted. 
Thrilled to catch first train at the new Carnegie Station with <a href="https://twitter.com/Steve_Dimo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Steve_Dimo</a> this morning. 
Locals can move about the community without ever having to worry about boom gates again. <a href="https://t.co/Cf4X3QxlQV">pic.twitter.com/Cf4X3QxlQV</a>
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/JacintaAllanMP/status/1008461422865465345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

The Victorian Government says by the end of June 2018, 25 level crossings will have been removed - this includes the 4 level crossings between Caulfield and Oakleigh which opened on Monday, Skye/Overton Road in Frankston and Thompsons Road in Cranbourne.

The first section of the new road bridge that will send Thompsons Road rising over the Cranbourne line will open at the end of this week. 

As was the case at the site of the level crossing removal at Watergardens, one section of new road bridge will open taking both directions of traffic while the second section is built.  Eventually, Thompsons Road will have 6 car lanes over the Cranbourne line, up from the single lane in each direction with a level crossing.

Now that Frankston trains divert around the original site of the Seaford Road level crossing on temporary track, major works will get underway to remove the level crossing entirely by building a rail bridge over Seaford Road.  

Trains running through all three individual elevated rail segments on the Dandenong corridor is only temporary as another major shutdown, from Westall to Pakenham and Cranbourne, is scheduled to kick off on June 30 and last until July 8 while power and signalling systems are upgraded.

According to the Victorian Government's <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project">bigbuild.vic.gov.au</a> website, level crossings located at Kororoit Creek Road in Williamstown North, Buckley Street in Essendon and Abbots Road in Dandenong South will have been removed as well.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levelcrossings/photos/a.883837948357558.1073741830.843601892381164/1980139698727372/?type=3&amp;theater">Level Crossing Removal Authority</a>.
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Trains resume on Dandenong and Frankston rail corridors

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The Altona loop is next in line to get the construction blitz treatment with the level crossing removal programme for the area set to shut the line down for approximately six weeks.

Between the 16th of June and the 29th of July buses will replace trains on the Altona Loop as work continues to remove the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing.

Contracts were signed in May 2017 for the Altona Loop line level crossing removal at the same time as contracts were awarded for Abbotts Road in Dandenong South, Aviation Road in Laverton and Furguson Street in Williamstown.

The Altona loop railway track will be elevated above Kororoit Creek Road and the new rail bridge will also include duplicated track.  The existing level crossing consists of a single bi-directional track which splits in two at the junction with the main Werribee line to the north of Kororoit Creek Road.

The level crossing removal will extend the duplicated track south of Kororoit Creek Road, however, the entire Altona loop will not be duplicated as part of the level crossing removal programme.

A Spring Street media release says there will "also be some overnight closures of Kororoit Creek Road at the level crossing with traffic detours in place, and some off-peak closures of the Werribee Line, where buses will replace trains between Newport and Werribee".

Continuing an Australian-first construction technique that has already been used in rail bridges on the Skye/Overton Road level crossing removal and Mernda railway line extension project, the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing removal will be made up of forty L-shape beams that will be transported overnight from Kilmore and then craned into place during the day.

<h2>Mobile Myki trial announced</h2>

The Minister for Public Transport has announced a trial to allow public transport commuters to use their Android smartphones to pay for fares.

The trial will utilise a custom-built Android app and near-field communication technology to integrate with the existing Myki ticket barriers and card readers across the Victorian public transport network.

Initially, the trial will be limited to a small industry-based test user group on Android devices with a wider public test group to be included in the trial later in the year.

A Spring Street media release states "discussions will continue during the trial to explore other smartphone users access Mobile Myki".

The trial period is expected to run until early 2019 when a decision will be made about a system-wide rollout.

For more information, see <a href="https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki">ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki</a>
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Level crossing removal construction blitz for Altona as mobile Myki trial announced

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In a not-so-surprising move, the commencement of construction on the level crossing removals at Edithvale (Edithvale Road) and Bonbeach (Bondi Road) have been delayed by at least a year due to the Level Crossing Removal Authority determining an environmental effects statement (EES) must be conducted for the two sites.

At the same time, the Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, on Sunday morning also announced that Station Road in Seaford will be fast tracked and a hybrid lift-one, lower-the-other design solution has been chosen. Seaford Road is set to be sunk by 1.5 metres and the Frankston rail line will be raised on an embankment either side of Seaford road and cross the sunken thoroughfare.

"Detailed technical investigations have found that it is not feasible to lower the line into a trench to remove the level crossing in Seaford, due to the impact a rail trench would have on groundwater and its effect on Kananook Creek and nearby Ramsar-listed Edithvale-Seaford wetlands".

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDanielAndrewsMP%2Fvideos%2F1322772607787272%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Skye/Overton Road gets fast-tracked, rail over road</h2>

On Saturday, the Public Transport Minister announced that Skye/Overton Road between the terminus at Frankston and Kananook station is to be fast-tracked with construction scheduled to start this year. A rail bridge over road was the selected design response.

Final designs are still under development, however the images used on the Level Crossing Removal Authority's website for consultation depict the bridge as being 900 metres long and have an approximate height of 8m.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/skye-overton-aerials.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skye/Overton Road rail bridge. Level Crossing Removal Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skye-overton-aerials.jpg?itok=QQtrHAAL" title="Skye/Overton Road rail bridge. Level Crossing Removal Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skye/Overton Road rail bridge. Level Crossing Removal Authority</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

If proximity to sensitive wetlands or other hydrographic features is a key determinant after conducting initial tests that leads to ruling out trench rail design responses then at Carrum, it's hard to see how this could work. Carrum and Aspendale Stations are the two stations on the Frankston line located closest to the foreshore (Aspendale is not on the list of 50 level crossings) and the Patterson River complicates things at Carrum.

With the station precinct surrounded by water on two sides and Eel Race Road in effectively the same boat, perhaps this is why the initial investigations are still underway.

The Herald Sun <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/andrews-government-facing-budget-blowout-over-the-cost-of-removing-rail-level-crossings-on-frankston-line/news-story/78024a09d14f2eecf5f900bbb64e93e3">yesterday published a report</a> that said "the budget for eight level-crossing removals along the Frankston line could blow out by between $1 and $2 billion if suburban sky rail options are dumped. Five sites have the option of expensive rail trenches while three, in Carrum and Frankston, are earmarked for rail bridges."

The Frankston line along with the South Morang and Upfield lines are perhaps Melbourne's worst for the frequency of level crossings and a casual glance at the <a href="https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/about-ptv/ptv-data-and-reports/network-development-plan-metropolitan-rail/">PTV Network Development plan</a> paints a picture of how train services will increase dramatically over time and it can't happen with so many level crossings still throughout the metro area.

Whether the Herald Sun report has any truth in it or not, no-one can afford to kowtow to local opposition groups at every turn when there's still a lot of work to do beyond the government's initial list of 50.
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Bonbeach and Edithvale level crossing removals delayed by EES

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With rail services recommencing operations between Box Hill and Ringwood this morning after the completion of major works on Heatherdale Road and Blackburn road level crossing removal projects, there remains only two level crossings between Flinders Street and Ringwood.

Located at Mont Albert Road and Union Road, the latter of which saw a horrific accident last year, these two level crossings, if they were to be reprioritised - perhaps even bolted-on to the list of the state government's 50 - would most likely result in one station rebuild (Surrey Hills), possibly two (Surrey Hills and Mont Albert).

Beyond Ringwood on the Lilydale branch, level crossings remain at Dublin Road (East Ringwood), Coolstore Road (Croydon), Manchester Road (Mooroolbark), Melba Avenue and Maroodah Highway (Lilydale). Manchester Road and Maroondah Highway are on Spring Street's list of 50 crossings to be removed by 2022.

On the Belgrave branch, Bedford Road (Ringwood), Alpine Street (Ferntree Gully), and Railway Avenue (Upper Ferntree Gully) are the three remaining level crossings, after Scoresby Road and Mountain Highway were grade separated late last year.

Trenches are a feature of this eastern suburbs spine. Starting with the first modern day grade separation project at Boronia, right through to deepening the cutting that already existed at Heatherdale during the most recent grade separation.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/16463334_1347577555316926_2868075743451115199_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The trench leading up to Blackburn Station. Image © Level Crossing Removal Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16463334_1347577555316926_2868075743451115199_o.jpg?itok=2hiZZ-4-" title="The trench leading up to Blackburn Station. Image © Level Crossing Removal Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The trench leading up to Blackburn Station. Image © Level Crossing Removal Authority</figcaption></figure><h2>Dandenong corridor is firing up</h2>

At the same time as the Ringwood corridor is [almost] becoming level crossing-free, the major works on the Dandenong corridor have kicked up a gear.

Last week images of the first columns to support the elevated track between Caulfield and Oakleigh started appearing on social media. Murrumbeena is the site which is seeing the majority activity at present as it's the launch site for this section of the Dandenong corridor work.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
Fourth pier in place overnight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/skyrail?src=hash">#skyrail</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbourneStevo">@MelbourneStevo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/trainspotter67">@trainspotter67</a> <a href="https://t.co/uGeqnEWP0s">pic.twitter.com/uGeqnEWP0s</a>
— Crossing Watch (@CrossingWatchin) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/CrossingWatchin/status/827389942116474880">February 3, 2017</a>
</blockquote>

Beyond the primary 'skyrail' project, there are five more level crossings on the list of 50 set to be removed over the next few years.

Abbots Road on the Cranbourne line along with Thompsons Road appear to be the most advanced with the primary website for the <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/crossings">Level Crossing Removal Authority</a> carrying multiple renders at both locations.

Likewise, South Gippsland Highway (Dandenong), Hallam Road (Hallam) and Clyde Road (Berwick) on the Pakenham line are currently 'in planning'.
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Only two level crossings remain between the City and Ringwood

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The Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, has held a re-opening of St Albans and Ginifer stations ceremony this morning with trains now running on the new grade separated alignment.

In both cases, the rail line was lowered beneath the road grade. Before the metro services were extended to Watergardens (and subsequently Sunbury), St Albans used to be the terminus and had a third, terminating, platform. This legacy terminating and stabling infrastructure has now been removed.

Likewise at Ginifer, the new station has been rebuilt to front Furlong Road. Previously the platforms were located approximately 100-150 metres from Furlong Road.

The new Ginifer station entrance is now a mere 200 metre walk from the Sunshine Hospital site which will see major investment over the coming years when the Joan Kirner Womens and Childrens hospital is built on the existing site.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tixfpFg0nTE" width="100%"></iframe>

Public Transport Users Association spokesperson, Daniel Bowen, visited both stations on Cup Day and has <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2016/11/02/new-ginifer-st-albans-stations/">written a blog post</a> on the history behind the area's level crossing removals. The following images are Daniel's and have been republished with permission.

Like the stations between Caulfield and Moorabbin that were recently re-built, work is still ongoing however train services are now running once more and basic station facilities are now open.

<h2>Ginifer</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_1.png?itok=wMyBdS93" title="Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_2.png?itok=FgwiusvE" title="Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_3.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ginifer station from the concourse. Image © Daniel Bowen"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_3.png?itok=3BHHKvhr" title="Ginifer station from the concourse. Image © Daniel Bowen" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ginifer station from the concourse. Image © Daniel Bowen</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_4.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ginifer_4.png?itok=dNl9xTkm" title="Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ginifer station. Image © Daniel Bowen</figcaption></figure><h2>St Albans</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st_abans_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="St Albans station. Image © Daniel Bowen"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/st_abans_1.png?itok=NCL824kw" title="St Albans station. Image © Daniel Bowen" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Albans station. Image © Daniel Bowen</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st_abans_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="St Albans station. Image © Daniel Bowen"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/st_abans_2.png?itok=HHXkc7HN" title="St Albans station. Image © Daniel Bowen" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Albans station. Image © Daniel Bowen</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st_abans_3.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The almost-complete St Albans station concourse. Image © Daniel Bowen"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/st_abans_3.png?itok=p-RUprtI" title="The almost-complete St Albans station concourse. Image © Daniel Bowen" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The almost-complete St Albans station concourse. Image © Daniel Bowen</figcaption></figure>To see more images, see <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2016/11/02/new-ginifer-st-albans-stations/">Daniel Bower's blog</a>.

Main Road (St Albans Station) will close on Friday so the old tracks can be removed and the road will be resurfaced. The road is due to re-open on the 28th of November.

The Minister for Public Transport also announced the next construction 'blitz' is due to start on Friday this week with services on the entire Belgrave branch from Ringwood to be replaced by buses as the Bayswater level crossing removals kick up a gear.

Scoresby Road will be closed from the 2nd (today) until the 19th of November. Mountain Highway will close from the 20th of November until the 23rd of December.
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The new St Albans and Ginifer stations - in pictures

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One day after the Port of Melbourne lease announcement, the Victorian Government has brought forward 11 level crossing removals, two of which - Buckley Street in Essendon and Camp Road in Campbellfield - will be fast-tracked with work commencing next year and complete by 2019.

The 11 level crossings have been split into two packages with both now out to tender.

The "North Western" package has five sites. As well as the two fast-tracked projects, the package includes Glenroy Road in Glenroy, Bell Street in Coburg and Moreland Road in Brunswick.

The "Western" package of level crossing removal sites includes Koroit Creek Road in the industrial area of Williamstown North - as well as the partial duplication of the Altona loop - Aviation Road in Laverton, Ferguson Street in Williamstown (site of Williamstown North station), Cherry and Werribee Streets in Werribee and the south-eastern anomaly Abbots Road in Dandenong South.

Construction on the Koroit Creek Road level crossing removal and Altona loop partial duplication will begin next year.

<h2>Comment</h2>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1474336743058!6m8!1m7!1sEgXp20gKYkgrd0-Rv44oqA!2m2!1d-37.7777888!2d144.9581032!3f9.71486674783417!4f0.5847791448704527!5f1.1924812503605782" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>

I'm loath to use the term "sky rail" however with Bell Street in Coburg and Moreland Road in Brunswick is there an opportunity to take an axe to the mind-bogglingly high number of level crossings between Park Street and Bell Street, with one fell swoop?

The primary benefit of elevating rail lines is that space, once occupied by rail track, is turned over to other public uses. Brunswick and Coburg see some of the highest rates of cycling in the city yet the Upfield bike path is routinely called out as inadequate and congested with both cyclists and pedestrians sharing the same space.

While the Upfield line is not the busiest line on the network, things appear to be changing with this year's budget having funds to reconnect the end of the Upfield line to the Craigieburn line thus creating a path for regional (and freight) trains.

Bell Street to Park Street measures roughly 4-5km, has five stations and a whopping 12 level crossings (it used to have more). The density of crossings is highest at the southern end in Brunswick, which just so happens to be the area which will see the highest population growth based on development project pipeline data on the Apartments.com.au project database.

Calling all Brunswick and Coburg residents: should this entire stretch be elevated in one go so that a) there's better rail infrastructure for increased services, b) better cycling infrastructure and c) more public space?
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