The Allan Labor Government has officially opened the 50th new or upgraded metropolitan station delivered as part of our Level Crossing Removal Project.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today opened the brand new Keon Park Station which was delivered as part the removal of Keon Parade’s dangerous and congested level crossing – improving safety and facilities for passengers across Melbourne.
The station will provide visitors with more convenient connections to Johnson Street, trains, buses, and walking and cycling paths – with a second lift, stairs and more than 160 car parking spaces set to open in spring.
Works will also continue to plant more than 220 trees and 44,500 shrubs on the corner of Keon Parade and along High Street.
Before the dangerous Keon Parade level crossing was removed in May, the boom gates caused 24 near misses and once crash since 2012 – with more than 18,000 vehicles travelling through the site every day and being held up by more than 41 minutes during the morning peak.
More than 250 workers helped to demolish the old Keon Park Station in January, with the project team able to keep trains running on the Mernda Line for much of the time – as city bound trains travelled on a new rail bridge over Keon Parade.
The Level Crossing Project has removed six boom gates along the Mernda Line in Reservoir and Preston – while also extending the rail line from South Morang to Mernda to cater for 33,000 passengers per day in Melbourne’s growing north.
Already, 80 level crossings are gone for good, with the project set to remove 110 boom gates by 2030, boosting safety and reducing congestion.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
“The new Keon Park Station will deliver safer and more convenient connections to local shops and public transport – which is a huge win for the community.”
As stated by Member for Preston Nathan Lambert
“I’d like to thank the community for their patience during works on Keon Parade and the ongoing construction of the new station which will deliver more direct links to residential areas, public transport and local shops.”
As stated by Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny
“Removing Keon Parade’s level crossing and the new Keon Park Station ahead of schedule has completely transformed our local area – cutting travel time and opening up more public space.”
