The $564 million Preston Level Crossing Removal forms part of Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Program administering the removal of 110 dangerous and congested crossings across Melbourne. The project comprised the removal of four level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road on the Mernda Line, construction of two kilometres of elevated rail viaduct, and two new stations and precincts. With approximately 200 train services operating on the rail line each weekday, the project addressed significant congestion issues caused by boom gates, which previously restricted travel during peak hours by up to 40 per cent.
The Judging Panel recognised the project for its exemplary delivery in a challenging environment, commending the Alliance’s technological innovation and approach to working in a live, physically constrained, and heavily-used rail corridor. The Judges acknowledged the project’s successful community engagement efforts, recognising the positive wider impact on other communities involved in the broader Level Crossing Removal Program.