By Mikayla van Loon
Lilydale and Mooroolbark will see some major changes start to appear as the level crossing removal projects pick up the pace to see both crossings removed by the end of October.
As station works get to the final stages of construction, commuters may need to seek alternative modes of transport with closures expected for a number of weeks at both stations.
From 8.30pm Friday 16 July, Mooroolbark train station will be closed for four months with works to be carried out on demolishing part of the original station building and the removal of the existing train tracks.
The Lilydale line will also see buses replacing trains from 19 July to 25 July as part of the major construction blitz which will then see Lilydale station close from 11 September to 25 October.
Level Crossing Removal Project Director Steve Brown said he understands the inconvenience this will place on the community but to deliver these new stations, closures are necessary.
“We’re thrilled to be able to remove these level crossings and build the new stations by the end of October – months ahead of schedule – to boost safety, ease congestion and provide better stations for passengers,” Mr Brown said.
“We’d like to thank people for their patience while we carry out major works on the project.”
Part of the work that will be carried out during the next phase includes the installation of concrete beams to form U-troughs, where the new tracks will be laid for the rail bridges.
Each beam weighs up to 120 tonnes and spans 31 metres. Around 14 beams have been lifted at Lilydale and four at Mooroolbark so far.
Like Mooroolbark, where 200 people turned out in May to watch as the beams were lifted into place, Lilydale will have a viewing night to watch as the L-beams are positioned over Maroondah Highway.
Engaging the community has been essential from day one, with initial community design consultations receiving 650 pieces of feedback.
From that feedback it was decided that the most historical part of the original station building would be refurbished by Box Hill TAFE and relocated to Tarrawarra for its new home with Yarra Valley Railway.
As for Lilydale’s old station building, refurbishment works are on the cards but won’t be started until the new station is up and running.
Understanding the heritage of both stations has been an important part of the removal, with archaeological investigations discovering remnants from the original station masters house in the Mooroolbark car park and foundations of an old bridge in Lilydale.
Monthly site tours and several school tours have taken place so local children and residents can look at the work underway.
Mr Brown said the level of interest in both the Lilydale and Mooroolbark projects has been well above other level crossing removals.
“The support and interest from the community – including passengers, residents and traders – has been really great and it’s fantastic that people are getting behind this important project that will deliver huge benefits for years to come.”
Trying to be as efficient as possible, Level Crossings has been constructing the modular station buildings for both Mooroolbark and Lilydale offsite.
Machinery will be moved in to help crane the buildings into position at both stations in coming weeks.
Other structural elements, including steel work that will form the clock tower features, has been conducted onsite during the initial works phase to be placed at a later date when the construction is nearly completed.
Mr Brown said it has been this planning which has led to time saving and will see the projects delivered ahead of schedule.
The 900 space car park at Mooroolbark has also completed part one of the works, with the last floor concrete pour now done.
Passengers and commuters are expected to be able to use the new stations and return to travelling on the Lilydale line on 25 October.
Shuttle buses will be available to take commuters to alternative stations during the station and line closures.
