Three Major Transport Projects Reshaping Melbourne's Landscape

Key takeaway: The Victorian government is progressing three major transport infrastructure projects—the North East Link road expansion, Upfield line sky rail construction, and Cheltenham station rezoning—each bringing distinct timelines, community impacts, and environmental considerations.

North East Link: Proposed Construction Boundary Expansion

The Victorian government has proposed expanding the construction boundary for the North East Link project at eight locations along the Eastern Freeway. The proposal, currently under consideration by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, would affect sites in Doncaster, Blackburn North, Balwyn North, Kew, Fairfield, and Mont Albert North.

Project Scope

• Total value: $26 billion
• Route: Connecting the Eastern Freeway to the M80 Ring Road
• Target completion: 2028

The boundary expansion is intended to accommodate further design work and construction planning, including flood mitigation and utility installation. The most significant change affects parkland near Tram Road Reserve (Doncaster) and Koonung Creek Reserve (Blackburn North).

Direct Impacts

• Manningham: 48 properties directly affected
• Whitehorse: Loss of 31,000 square metres of open space and 5,000 trees

"Short-term pain for long-term gain" — one resident described temporary park closures, while another said he understood the need for upgrades despite using the trail regularly.

Community and Council Responses

• Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas expressed disappointment regarding lack of prior consultation and called for clearer justification and a targeted approach.
• Whitehorse Mayor Kirsten Langford requested more details and public consultation, emphasizing the importance of outdoor spaces amid population growth.
• An online petition to protect Koonung Creek Trail and Tram Road Reserve has collected over 350 signatures.
• Residents reported concerns about dust, noise, and loss of green space. One resident reported running air-conditioners 16 hours daily to filter dust and receiving a $200 cleaning voucher after lodging a complaint.

Environmental and Heritage Considerations

• The Wurundjeri Corporation raised concerns about lack of detail regarding cultural heritage impacts.
• A project spokesperson stated that strict environmental controls and extensive community consultation are in place.

Upfield Line: Three-Month Closure for Sky Rail Construction

Melbourne's Upfield railway line is scheduled for a 90-day closure in 2030 to facilitate the removal of eight level crossings and the construction of elevated rail.

Construction Timeline

• 2027: Community feedback sought on concept designs
• 2029: Major works begin
• 2030: Main construction phase, including 90-day line shutdown; completion targeted for same year

Project Details

• Scope: Two elevated rail bridges spanning 2.1 kilometres through Brunswick and Parkville
• Management: Victoria's Infrastructure Delivery Authority
• Alternative methods reviewed: Road under rail and rail under road were considered but rejected due to higher disruption, increased property acquisitions, greater impact on heritage buildings, and longer rail shutdowns.

Disruptions and Mitigation

• All train services and stations along the Upfield line will be closed during the 90-day period.
• Rail replacement buses will operate along the Sydney Road corridor.
• Bicycle paths adjacent to the rail line will be diverted, with an extended closure between Moreland Road and Park Street.
• Temporary traffic congestion is expected, particularly near the eight level crossings.

Station and Property Changes

• Stations to be decommissioned: Jewell, Brunswick, and Anstey
• New stations: Two replacement stations, provisionally named Brunswick North and Brunswick South
• Heritage stations: Brunswick and Jewell stations will be retained and refurbished for alternative uses.
• Property acquisitions: 13 residential properties and five commercial sites will be acquired, displacing eight businesses.

Environmental and Heritage Considerations

• The project involves 1.76 hectares of native vegetation.
• The gang-gang cockatoo was identified as a potentially affected species, though no significant impact is anticipated.
• Construction noise and vibration are recognized concerns, with specific management plans for sensitive locations including Melbourne Zoo's Lion Gorge and RMIT University's Design Labs. Measures may include temporary accommodation or noise reduction equipment.
• Some homes may experience overshadowing; owners of properties where light levels fall below minimum standards would be eligible to sell to the government.
• Bulleke-bek Park and Clifton Park will be temporarily used for construction equipment.
• Plans have been referred to the planning minister for assessment.

Cheltenham: Vacant Platforms Rezoned for High-Density Housing

Two large, vacant concrete platforms at either end of Cheltenham station, each approximately 2,000 square metres, have been rezoned for higher-density housing.

Background

• The platforms were constructed after level crossings were removed in 2020.
• Residents described the platforms as a source of heat, contributing to a "heat island effect."
• Attempts to convert them into temporary parks were unsuccessful due to safety concerns cited by VicTrack, the land owner.

Level Crossing Removal History

• Level crossing removals along the Frankston line faced significant community opposition to elevated rail.
• Of 21 crossings on the Frankston line, 13 were replaced with trenches, six used rail bridges, and two involved road closures.
• The undeveloped public spaces in central Cheltenham are a consequence of the community's preference for trenches over elevated rail, according to local accounts.

Contrasting Outcomes

• Public spaces created beneath a new elevated rail bridge in Parkdale, including parks, parking, gardens, and an outdoor gym, are actively used by the community.
• A resident suggested that a more vocal community in Parkdale may have prompted better development of the elevated rail precinct.

Expert Perspective

Dr. John Stone, honorary transport planning lecturer at the University of Melbourne, co-authored a 2014 study concluding that elevating rail lines often provides greater public benefit, including creating large linear corridors of new land and improved views for train travelers.

Dr. Stone commented that "noisy politics" influenced planning decisions along the Frankston line, considering the widespread use of trenches a "backwards step."

Future Development Plans

• In January, the state government rezoned the Cheltenham concrete platforms, along with other VicTrack land in Cheltenham and Mentone, for higher-density housing.
• The sites now have preferred height limits of six to eight storeys.
• The planning amendment was enacted to help meet state government housing targets for middle Melbourne and was requested by property developer Hallmarc, which is completing an apartment project in nearby Highett.
• Planning documents from 2017 indicate the government's initial intention to create "transit-oriented development" spaces above the tracks at Cheltenham.
• A similar large concrete platform above the rail trench at Ormond station also remains undeveloped, despite earlier plans for a housing tower.

Council Position

• Kingston City Council supports the development of these spaces for housing, aligning with its own housing strategy.
• The council noted receiving regular inquiries from traders and residents about the spaces' activation.
• The council had previously requested temporary activation of the platforms but was declined by the Level Crossing Removal Project.