
The Victorian government has reached a significant milestone in its Level Crossing Removal Project with the opening of the 50th new or upgraded metropolitan station.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson officially opened the new Keon Park Station, which was delivered as part of the removal of the dangerous and congested level crossing at Keon Parade.
The new station enhances safety and facilities for passengers across Melbourne, providing more convenient connections to Johnson Street, trains, buses, and walking and cycling paths.
A second lift, stairs, and over 160 car parking spaces are scheduled to open in spring.
The project also includes extensive landscaping, with plans to plant more than 220 trees and 44,500 shrubs on the corner of Keon Parade and along High Street.
The removal of the Keon Parade level crossing, completed in May, has significantly improved safety in the area.
Prior to its removal, the crossing had caused 24 near misses and one crash since 2012, with over 18,000 vehicles passing through daily and experiencing delays of up to 41 minutes during morning peak hours.
The construction process involved more than 250 workers and maintained train services on the Mernda Line for much of the time, with city-bound trains utilising a new rail bridge over Keon Parade.
As part of the broader Level Crossing Removal Project, six boom gates have been removed along the Mernda Line in Reservoir and Preston.
The project has also extended the rail line from South Morang to Mernda, catering to 33,000 passengers per day in Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs.
To date, 80 level crossings have been removed, with the project aiming to eliminate 110 boom gates by 2030 to enhance safety and reduce congestion across Melbourne.
Minister Pearson highlighted the benefits of the new station, stating, “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.”
Local representatives Nathan Lambert and Bronwyn Halfpenny expressed their gratitude to the community for their patience during the construction and emphasized the transformative impact of the project on the local area.