The $564 million Preston Level Crossing Removal forms part of Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Program. 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, the North Western Program Alliance (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 recognised the North Western Program Alliance for the integrated and collaborative approach to project delivery. The Panel commended the project team for the delivery of a complex project in a busy commercial and residential site, with minimal disruptions to transport and the local community ensuring that social licence for the project remained high.