Nunawading’s new railway station, being built as part of the $140 million Springvale Road Rail Separation Project, will feature a bubble skylight roof design using materials adopted for Beijing’s Water Cube Aquatic Centre.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas visited Nunawading today to release the concept plans for the new railway station and inspect the site only days before Springvale Road is closed to vehicles at the crossing for 11 consecutive days of intensive construction work.
“The Brumby Labor Government, in partnership with the Rudd Labor Government, is taking action to deliver a better transport system so people can spend more time with family and less time in traffic,” Mr Pallas said.
“This vital project will significantly reduce traffic congestion through the Springvale Road intersection and build a new Nunawading Station.”
“This vital project will significantly reduce traffic congestion through the Springvale Road intersection and build a new Nunawading Station that will boast the better, safer and more comfortable facilities – and feature a striking bubble-roof canopy at the west station entrance.
“The architectural feature will provide a modern and open feel, allowing light to flow through the concourse level to the platforms below. The entire station precinct will be refreshed with smoother integration with other transport services.”
The Federal Member for Deakin Mike Symon said this was another step towards delivering the Rudd Labor Government’s election commitment to fix the problematic Springvale Road intersection.
“The Rudd Labor Government is contributing $80 million towards this work and the concept plans for the new station clearly illustrates the progress being made,” Mr Symon said.
“The new station will feature bicycle storage facilities, a taxi rank, new drop-off areas for buses and improved parking for train passengers.
“An island platform with rail lines running on either side will also allow customers to more easily board trains, while waiting in a secure and comfortable area,” he said.
Mr Pallas said Springvale Road would be closed to through traffic at the Nunawading level crossing from 8pm, Friday 18 September to 6am, Wednesday 30 September.
He reminded motorists to plan their travel for when Springvale Road is closed to vehicles at the Nunawading crossing during the quieter school holiday period.
“Critical construction activity over this period will include ground preparation for the new station and construction of the six-lane bridge to carry road traffic across the new rail line,” he said.
“This temporary closure means works can be carried out safely and will avoid many more shorter-term road closures, ultimately meaning less disruption to drivers and the community.”
Despite the closures, local access to Station Street, Laughlin Avenue, Walkers Road and Silver Grove will be maintained. Train services on the Belgrave-Lilydale line will operate as normal with Nunawading Station also remaining open.
VicRoads advises drivers to avoid Springvale Road around Nunawading over this period and to consider alternate routes including Middleborough Road, Mitcham Road, Heatherdale Road, the Eastern Freeway and EastLink.
Member for Mitcham Tony Robinson thanked local residents and traders for their ongoing patience during the works.
“We know there will be some short-term inconvenience, but closing the road will mean it is a lot safer for workers and for the community. I know residents and traders are looking forward to next year, when one of the worst traffic snarls in the city is removed,” he said.
“Drivers and train passengers alike are also eagerly anticipating the excellent road and rail facilities this project will deliver.”
The Rudd Labor Government contributed $80 million as part of its Nation Building Program to the Springvale Road Rail Separation Project. It is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $38 billion transport plan, with a $60 million from the state towards the project.
For more information about the closures or the Springvale Road rail separation works, people can call 8873 5100 or visit the website: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au