New Bayswater train station opens after level crossing removal works

TRAINS are again running through Bayswater, with the suburb’s new station opened today.

James Mercieca and Mike Kenealy in front of the new station, while it was still under construction. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

TRAINS are again running through Bayswater, with the suburb’s new station opened today.

During a 37-day construction blitz, hundreds of staff dug up the equivalent of 25 Olympic swimming pools of soil to lower the rail line, with trains now running under Scoresby Rd and Mountain Highway.

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In an email update, the Level Crossing Removal Authority said the station and platform access ramp were open but there would be work around the station precinct in coming weeks, including installation of lifts, internal fit-outs, work on the bus interchange, and carpark construction.

The new station. Picture: Christopher Chan.

The Scoresby Rd level crossing was removed several weeks ago and Mountain Highway will re-open just before Christmas.

But the disruptions aren’t over for Belgrave line passengers, with construction crews set to turn their attention to the removal of the Blackburn Rd and Heatherdale Rd crossings.

From December 27 to February 5, buses will replace trains between Box Hill and Ringwood stations while construction crews lower the rail line, upgrade Blackburn train station and build a new Heatherdale station.

Public Transport Jacinta Allan said Bayswater was the seventh new station built as part of the level crossing removal project.

Eastern Metropolitan MP Shaun Leane thanked passengers, motorists and locals for their patience during the project.