Surrey Hills, Mont Albert level crossing removals almost complete, new station opens May 22

Relief is in sight for weary commuters and traders with work almost finished on removing crossings in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert, with new open space designs revealed.

The new Union station will open on May 22.

Relief is in sight for weary Belgrave and Lilydale line commuters and local traders and residents, with work almost complete on removing two level crossings in Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.

The crossings at Mont Albert Rd and Union Rd will be gone for good and the new Union station will open on May 22, with works to continue on station car parks, open spaces, landscaping and finishing touches, the Level Crossing Removal Project said in an update.

Belgrave/Lilydale trains will run to the previous Surrey Hills station schedule until a new timetable starts on May 28.

Union and Mont Albert roads will re-open in early May.

Buses have been replacing trains on part of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines since February, as major works were carried out to remove the two crossings and build a new combined railway station.

Passengers have had to hop on replacement buses between Camberwell and Box Hill railway stations before continuing their train rides.

There has been no shortage of controversy and anger from a number of traders and residents during the crossing removals.

Union Road open space, including a new civic plaza and terrace garden. Artist impression only, subject to change. Plants depicted at 3-5 years post planting. Picture: Level Crossing Removal Authority Facebook page

Surrey Hills and Mont Albert residents said they were being kept in the dark over plans for the new “superstation” being built metres from their homes.

And Leader aired concerns from traders near Mont Albert railway station, who feared the train line shutdown would cause them further pain and lose more trade.

Flooding caused more pain for Surrey Hills business owners last month.

And protesters shouted at the Transport MP Jacinta Allan, accusing the state government of lies as the Union Rd level crossing removal works start in February.

But Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said at the time the Andrews government had fast-tracked the removal of the Surrey Hills “death traps”.

“We are celebrating the removal of these boom gates, which had a horrific safety record and posed a significant safety risk to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use them every day,” she said.

An artists impression of the concourse at the new Union station, replacing Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.

The Level Crossing Removal Project has also released the final open space and landscaping designs for the Union Rd open space, rejuvenated Lorne Parade Reserve, Montrose Street pocket park, Mont Albert Road drop-off area, Mont Albert heritage plaza and surrounding streetscapes after community consultation.

It said the final designs complement the leafy feel of the area and create places for locals and visitors to connect.

The rejuvenated Lorne Parade Reserve, including a new play area and seating. Artist impression only, subject to change. Plants depicted at 3-5 years post planting. Picture: Level Crossing Removal Project

Mont Albert heritage plaza. Home of the historic Mont Albert station building. Artist impression only, subject to change. Plants depicted at 3-5 years post planting. Picture: Level Crossing Removal Project

It said Union station’s western concourse was situated between the new Montrose Street pocket park and rejuvenated Lorne Parade Reserve.

Two King Parrot sculptures at each entrance to the new station’s western concourse, designed by artist Emily Floyd, will greet visitors and commuters.

The Level Crossing Removal Project will also provide safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists moving through the precinct, and plant more than 52,000 trees, shrubs and plants.

Mont Albert heritage plaza. View from Beresford Street. Artist impression only, subject to change. Plants depicted at 3-5 years post planting.