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. During early planning, NWPA conducted an intensive optioneering and analysis process that resulted in the development of the Radiant Heat Curing (RHC) engineering solution. NWPA partnered with subcontractor CIG to develop the RHC method, a rapid cast in situ program that constructed the piers and crossheads required to support the viaducts, removing the need to construct and transport large concrete components offsite.
The Judging Panel commended the project’s development and novel use of the RHC method, which reduced the project’s carbon footprint with its accelerated concrete curing times, reduced material use and reduced transport undertaken. The Judges were delighted that the RHC innovation is being deployed on other LXRP and PWA projects and has also become a patented construction method.