The contract to remove the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing, in western Melbourne, has been awarded to an alliance comprising McConnell Dowell, Arup, Mott MacDonald, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Final designs for the $237 million project illustrate the level crossing will be removed at Mt Derrimut Road by building a 1.2km elevated rail bridge over the road, and the project will also build a new Deer Park station, as well as a new transport hub.
The transport hub will give commuters access to buses, trains and car parking, with safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists all within one precinct.
The new Deer Park Station will include pick-up and drop-off zones on both sides of the rail line, two accessible, elevated platforms with lifts, ramps and stairs, a new air-conditioned waiting room, as well as pathways, lighting and security cameras throughout the precinct.
Bike storage will be increased from eight to 78 spaces and the new pedestrian connection will link suburbs on both sides of the rail line, providing access to new residential areas in Derrimut, as well as schools, parks and healthcare services.
Crews have already kicked off early works, including ground testing and assessments, with further activity increasing throughout March.
Removing the level crossing will ease delays for the 23,000 vehicles that pass through each day.
Construction is also progressing on the nearby Fitzgerald Road and Robinsons Road level crossing removals. All three level crossings will be gone by 2024, making the Geelong and Ballarat lines level crossing free between Deer Park and the city.