Making Carnegie station safer for locals

Carnegie residents, as well as anyone interested in Carnegie real estate will be pleased to hear that the local train station is about to undergo a makeover starting next week.

Both Carnegie and Murrumbeena stations will close temporarily to allow for work to begin on removing level crossings to improve safety around the area.

Making Melbourne's rail safer 

The works are part of a wider project to remove all level crossings between Caulfield and Dadenong. According to the Level Crossing Authority, the goal is to get rid of 50 level crossings across Melbourne deemed dangerous or congested by 2022.

The Victorian Government has contributed $2.4million to the project, hoping to accomplish the removal of at least 20 of these crossings by 2018. Now that it is Carnegie's turn, the station will close after the last train on Sunday August 28, reopening by Monday September 26 in time for the first train of the day. 

The closure will enable the service relocations and piling works to take place safely, but the strategy will also mean fewer disruptions for locals in the long run. 

"We're getting on with transforming Melbourne's busiest rail corridor to ensure people spend less time on the road, and more time at home with their loved ones," Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.

"We understand these works will make it harder for locals to get around in the short-term, but once these crossings are gone, we'll be able to run more trains and make our roads safer and less congested."

The Level Crossing Authority is aiming to minimise commuter disruption while updating Carnegie station.

Preserving the integrity of our stations 

Many of Melbourne's rail stations are not simply a hub for commuters, they are also a part of the community's history. In an effort to preserve the original qualities of the buildings, the stations' most characteristic elements will be incorporated into the new design. This includes roofing, steel trusses, ticketing offices and the entranceways where possible, according to a media release from the office of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. 

"These stations are more than just places to catch the train, they have a certain character that resonates with our community," Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos explained.

"That's why the new station precinct designs will reflect our local area's history."

The stations are expected to be completed by 2018. Train replacement bus services will be available for commuters who use both Carnegie and Murrumbeena stations. 

If you've been thinking about exploring real estate in Carnegie, the team at Ray White Carnegie can help to guide you towards the right solution to suit your needs. To find out more, don't hesitate to get in touch.