1. travel
2. transports
3. public transport

Boulevard
The Mount Alexander Road ‘boulevard’ runs 3.9 kilometres from
the Tullamarine Freeway in the north to the Moonee Ponds
Junction in the south. This includes 1.0 kilometre of Bulla Road
and 2.9 kilometres of Mount Alexander Road. It has a typical
corridor width of 60 metres that accommodates public transport
and up to six lanes of traffic. Public transport that uses this
corridor includes seven bus services and the 59 tram. These
services connect the activity centres of Essendon North,
Essendon and Moonee Ponds.
N
0
250
500
750
1000
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 45
Shared lanes
Two lanes of traffic run in either direction along Mount Alexander
Road through Essendon Junction. Where the road passes under
the existing rail bridge, the roads become more constrained and
congested with trams moving from a dedicated reserve to
sharing the second road lane with cars. This creates delays for
the tram services.
Road corridor below rail bridge
reduced to four lanes with trams
merging from dedicated reserve
to lane shared with cars.
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
46 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Signalised intersections
There are existing signalised intersections at Mount Alexander
Road / Buckley Street and Buckley Street / Russell Street / Rose
Street. The junction at Mount Alexander Road and Fletcher
Street is a roundabout with signalised crossings.
Careful attention would need to be paid to the Mount Alexander
Road / Fletcher Street intersection with any new traffic
conditions.
If Raleigh Street is connected through to Mount Alexander Road,
as part of the grade separation project, then a new signalised
intersection may have to be established at Mount Alexander
Road / Raleigh / Shamrock Street.
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 47
Pinched alignment
Street alignment
The VicTrack site and private site at the west corner of Mount
Alexander Road and Fletcher Street are the only properties along
the boulevard that extend into the 60 metre wide road corridor.
This would be due to historical reasons with the VicTrack land
extended north east to the retaining wall of the road underpass.
As a historical anomaly, the 45 metre wide restriction through
the junction could be used as a positive opportunity to bring
development on the two sides of Mount Alexander Road closer
together. This would help integrate the Neighbourhood Centre
and render Mount Alexander Road less of a dividing feature.
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
48 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Boulevard alignment
Street alignment
Conversely, bringing Mount Alexander Road to natural ground
line could provide an opportunity to widen the boulevard corridor
out to its original 60 metres and provide maximum benefit for
public transport and road capacity. The impact of the widened
boulevard on pedestrian connectivity would need to be
considered. However, the width of the 60 metre boulevard is
unlikely to be detrimental to the human scale if the pedestrian
heart of the precinct is near the station and the boulevard
becomes a transport spine.
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 49
Street alignment
This diagram illustrates the potential of reinstating the corridor to
its original state as a grand boulevard. In this configuration, the
avenue of trees are the dominant visual aspect that would need
to be inserted for continuity. This initiative is flexible enough to
accommodate different road and public transport arrangements.
Connect Raleigh Street
through to Shamrock Street
Reinstate historic
tree alignment
Reinstate historic
building alignment
Pedestrian connection
between Fletcher Street
and Rose Street
N
0
50
100
Boulevard Reinstated
150
200
Metres
50 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Tram plaza option
Street alignment
The 59 tram line which travels from Fletcher Street into Mount
Alexander Road could be accommodated on the west side of
the boulevard. This could provide a tram super stop in a plaza
environment adjacent any new development on the VicTrack site
with strong interchange potential to buses and rail. The trams
would have to cross traffic using signals at Mount Alexander
Road/ Shamrock and Mount Alexander Road/ Fletcher
intersections.
59 tram
Provision for future
tram route from
Moonee Ponds
Tram interchange in
plaza environment
N
0
50
100
150
200
Street alignment
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 51
Street alignment
59 tram
Provision for future
tram route from
Moonee Ponds
Tram interchange in
boulevard environment
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
52 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Tram boulevard option/ widened
Alternatively, the 59 tram could maintain the typical pattern along
Mount Alexander Road and be accommodated in the central
reserve between the boulevard trees. A tram super stop could
act as a refuge for pedestrians crossing from one side of the
activity centre to the other. This option could work with the
‘boulevard’ alignment whereby the VicTrack parcel boundary is
adjusted.
Tram boulevard option/ pinched
Street alignment
Alternative to the tram plaza option, the 59 tram could maintain
the typical pattern along Mount Alexander Road and be
accommodated in the central reserve between the boulevard
trees. A tram super stop could act as a refuge for pedestrians
crossing from one side of the activity centre to the other. This
option could work with the ‘pinched’ alignment whereby no
adjustment to the VicTrack parcel boundary would be required.
59 tram
Provision for future
tram route from
Moonee Ponds
Tram interchange in
boulevard environment
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 53
Street alignment
Bus station option
The majority of buses move through the activity centre stop in
Russell Street, adjacent the train station. This maximises modal
interchange but creates delays to the buses by requiring them to
leave Mount Alexander Road and turn at two signalised
intersections.
Bus interchange in
station environment
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
54 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Bus boulevard option
Street alignment
An alternative to the existing arrangement is to leave the buses
travelling along Mount Alexander Road and have bus stops mid
way between the train station and the new tram super stop. This
could improve the bus travel times but slightly reduce the ease of
modal interchange.
Bus interchange in
boulevard environment
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 55
Station entrances
Train station access point 1
This diagram illustrates the urban design potential of an end
loaded platform accessed from Mount Alexander Road. The
primary access points to the station will affect the pedestrian
traffic in the surrounding streets. Therefore they should be
strategically placed to aid activation in the desired areas outlined
in the Structure Plan.
This train station access point would shift greater emphasis and
activation onto Mount Alexander Road. A disadvantage of this
option is that the access point is further away from the existing
heritage listed station building. Adaptive re-use of the building
would have to be explored.
End loaded platform accessed
from Mount Alexander Road
New underground
station platforms
Street alignment
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 51
56 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Train station access point 2
This diagram illustrates the urban design implications of a mid
loaded platform accessed from Rose Street and Mount Alexander
Road. This option shifts the emphasis and activation into the
centre of the VicTrack site and is conducive to creating a ‘city
square’ type environment. Access to the station is within an
acceptable proximity to the existing heritage listed station.
Therefore, this option provides the opportunity to use the existing
building for an ancillary use to the station as preferred by Heritage
Victoria.
Mid loaded platform accessed
from Rose Street and Mount
Alexander Road
New underground
station platforms
Street alignment
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 52
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 57
Train station access point 3
This diagram illustrates the urban design implications of a centre
loaded platform accessed from Rose Street and Russell Street.
This option shifts the emphasis and activation created by the
station into the centre of the VicTrack site and is conducive to
creating a ‘city square’ type environment. Access adjacent to the
existing heritage listed building affords the possibility of using the
heritage listed building for an ancillary use as preferred by
Heritage Victoria.
New underground
station platforms
Access adjacent existing
heritage listed station building
Street alignment
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 53
58 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Train station access point 4
This diagram illustrates the urban design implications of a centre
loaded platform accessed from Rose Street and Russell Street.
This option shifts the emphasis and activation created by the
station into the centre of the VicTrack site and is conducive to
creating a ‘city square’ type environment. Unlike access option
3, access would be provided directly through the existing heritage
listed station building. As such, this design provides the best
opportunity to take advantage of the heritage building for an
ancillary use as preferred by Heritage Victoria. This option is the
most effective at safeguarding the building’s integrity relative to its
use.
New underground
station platforms
Access through existing
heritage listed station building
Street alignment
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 54
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 59
7. Above ground
Divider
implications
The above ground implications of the grade separation were
explored in a number of high level design options. These options
illustrate design ideas that will be further considered in the
Essendon Junction structure plan process.
60 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Option 01 – do minimum
Street alignment
The ‘do minimum’ option would retain the existing ‘pinched’
alignment along Mount Alexander Road by retaining the
boundary of the VicTrack site.
The dead end at Raleigh Street would be left unchanged.
The southern portion of the VicTrack site could potentially
become a plaza defined by the buildings on the freed northern
and southern parcels. This opens up the activity centre to
increased pedestrian permeability from Russell Street through to
Rose Street. Alternatively the southern area could be used for an
off-street bus interchange adjacent to the heritage station
building.
Dead end at Raleigh Street
as per existing
Tram interchange
Potential plaza or
Off-street bus interchange
adjacent historic station
entry building
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 61
Option 02 - Fletcher / Rose pedestrian link
Street alignment
This option requires alterations to the VicTrack site boundary to
create a ‘widened’ boulevard alignment.
Raleigh street would be connected through to Shamrock Street
to increase permeability.
Connect Raleigh Street
through to Shamrock Street
A ‘straight’ pedestrian link would be created through the
VicTrack site to connect Rose Street to the junction via Fletcher
Street. This would create a visible connection to Fletcher Street
with clear sight lines.
The southern portion of the VicTrack site could potentially
become a plaza defined by the buildings on the freed northern
and southern land parcels. This opens up the activity centre by
increasing pedestrian permeability from Russell Street to Rose
Street. Alternatively the land could be used for an off-street bus
interchange adjacent to the heritage station building.
Tram interchange
Create pedestrian link from
Essendon junction to Rose Street
Potential plaza or
Off-street bus interchange
adjacent historic station
entry building
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
62 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Option 03 - Rose / Russell road connection
Street alignment
Similar to option 02 this would require alterations to the VicTrack
site boundary to create a ‘widened’ boulevard alignment.
Raleigh street would be connected through to Shamrock Street
to permit vehicle access and increase pedestrian permeability.
Connect Raleigh Street
through to Shamrock Street
A pedestrian link would be created to connect Rose Street to
Essendon Junction. This link would be adjacent the potential
plaza or off street bus interchange in the southern portion of the
VicTrack site.
Tran interchange
Create pedestrian link from
Essendon junction to Rose Street
Potential plaza or
Off-street bus interchange
adjacent historic station
entry building
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 63
Option 04 - dedicated bus interchange
Street alignment
This option presents a dedicated off-street bus interchange in
the central area of the VicTrack site. The disadvantage of a
dedicated bus interchange is that it could create inactive
frontages along Mount Alexander Road and Russell Street. The
bus interchange would largely be a ‘dead’ space at night time,
which is unfavourable to personal security. This may be
detrimental to the success of the pedestrian area to the south
and may act as a barrier to the northern portion of the site.
Connect Raleigh Street
through to Shamrock Street
The advantage of having a separate bus interchange area is that
it would free up the southern portion of Russell Street from
buses. The dedicated bus interchange is also in closer proximity
to the tram interchange along Mount Alexander Road.
Tran interchange
Off-street bus interchange
connecting tram and train
stations
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
64 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Option 05 - station plaza
This option presents a large pedestrian plaza adjacent to the
historic station building. The ample space between the VicTrack
development and the historic building to the south enhances
pedestrian permeability without having a dedicated link separate
to the plaza. The passing by foot traffic would informally activate
the plaza and provide some passive surveillance. The plaza
would be bounded by Rose Street and Russell Street and well
defined by the building edges to the north and south.
Connect Raleigh Street
through to Shamrock Street
Tram interchange
New pedestrian plaza
adjacent Russell Street
Potential plaza or
Off-street bus interchange
adjacent historic station
entry building
N
0
50
100
Metres
150
200
Street alignmen
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 65
Option 06 - Russell Street mall
Street alignment
Connect Raleigh Street
through to Shamrock Street
Tram interchange
New pedestrian plaza
in Russell Street
Potential plaza or
Off-street bus interchange
adjacent historic station
entry building
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
66 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
This option involves pedestrianising Russell Street which
currently acts as an informal bus interchange. Making Russell
Street more pedestrian focused was one of the key ideas that
arose from community consultation. The large plaza would act
as a continuation of the pedestrian focused environment at
Russell Street and enhance permeability from Rose Street to
Essendon Junction.
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 67
Development parcels – future titles
Development parcels
Possible additional site
1,385 m2
23,830 m2
835 m2
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
68 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
This diagram shows the new parcels of land that will be created
as a result of the rail separation and cover. The VicTrack site
would be consolidated into one large site of 23,830m2 if the
existing boulevard alignment is retained. The separation will also
create two smaller parcels of land. A third parcel to the north
could be created depending on the extent of the cover.
Future development parcels – with the widened
street alignment
Development parcels
Reinstating the previous 60 metre width of the boulevard would
mean that the VicTrack site would be consolidated to 20,885m2;
as 2,945m2 would be returned to the Mount Alexander transport
corridor.
Possible additional site
The consolidation of the existing two divided VicTrack parcels
would create a valuable continuous street frontage along Mount
Alexander Road once developed.
1,385 m2
2,945 m2 parcel to be
returned to transport corridor
20,885 m2
835 m2
N
0
50
100
150
200
Metres
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 69
8. Cost estimate
A high level preliminary cost estimate for the preferred option is
provided on the page opposite.
70 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Summary of Estimate
$
Preliminaries
11,900,000
Relocation of services
11,464,000
Earthworks, Retaining walls, Trackwork, signals and overhead traction
23,945,000
Platform and buildings
44,188,000
Tramworks
10,019,000
Underground structures
3,356,000
Total Direct Cost
104,872,000
Contractor’s site overhead and supervision
20,125,000
Contractor’s Estimate
124,997,000
Engineering
4,574,000
Project Management Fee
2,592,000
Contingency
29,153,000
DOI Project Management
16,132,000
DOI Project Development Levy
7,098,000
DOI Corporate Finance Levy
1,845,000
Total Budget Estimate
186,391,000
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 71
9. Construction
sequencing
The following drawings illustrate a possible construction
sequence for the grade separation project. This construction
sequence could vary greatly, after the confirmation of certain
design constraints. The drawings have been included at this
stage, to illustrate the extent of the project and explore design
issues and opportunities.
72 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Existing conditions
The rail is currently at-grade at Buckley Street. The two western
tracks are operational. The eastern track is redundant. Cars and
trams use the under pass at Mount Alexander Road to travel
below the at-grade rail lines.
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 71
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 73
Stage 1
Construct a temporary rail bridge across Mount Alexander Road
to widen the existing structure.
Relocate the existing canary palms between the station complex
and Rose Street, for re-use at a later date.
Construct temporary bridge
across Mount Alexander Road
Relocate canary palms
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 72
74 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Stage 2
Construct new rail tracks on the eastern side, using the new
temporary bridge.
Recommission the existing platform on the eastern side of the
station, ready for operation.
Construct new track at grade
Recommission
existing platform
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 73
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 75
Stage 3
Commission the eastern tracks and eastern platform to
operational status.
Decommission and remove the at grade western tracks.
Excavate and construct new tunnel walls and base below grade,
to the west of the tracks near Mount Alexander Road. Cover the
viaduct.
Construct new underground
viaduct and cover
Demolish at grade
western track
Eastern at grade track and
platform become operational
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 74
76 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Stage 4
Construct a new, temporary road and tram track diversion
at-grade, including a new, temporary at-grade rail crossing near
Mount Alexander Road.
Excavate the area west of the tracks.
Commence sequenced excavation and construction of the
Buckley Street grade separation with rail under road.
Construct new
temporary roads
Construct new
temporary tram tracks
Construct new temporary
at grade crossing
Construct new
underground platforms
Construct new underground
viaduct and cover
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 75
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 77
Stage 5
Make the new at-grade road and tram diversion operational.
Demolish the tram tracks in the Mount Alexander Road
underpass.
Continue sequenced excavation and construction of the Buckley
Street grade separation with rail under road.
New temporary
roads operational
New temporary tram track
become operational
Demolish existing
tram tracks
Construct new underground
viaduct and cover
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 76
78 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Stage 6
Excavate and construct new tunnel walls and base below grade,
between Buckley Street and Raleigh Street.
Construct new underground platforms and station facilities, north
of the existing at-grade station.
Construct new rail lines below grade.
Fill in the underpass at Mount Alexander Road and return to
grade.
Construct new
underground tracks
Fill in underpass and
construct new road at grade
Construct new
underground platforms
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 77
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 79
Stage 7
Commission the western below grade tracks and below grade
station.
Decommission the eastern, at-grade tracks.
Construct new tram tracks and road at-grade along Mount
Alexander Road.
Continue sequenced excavation and construction of the Buckley
Street grade separation with rail under road.
Construct new at grade
tram tracks
Underground tracks
become operational
Demolish at grade
eastern tracks
Construct new underground
viaduct and cover
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
Essendon Grade Separation Feasibility Study 78
80 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Stage 8
Commission the at-grade tram tracks and road along Mount
Alexander Road.
Demolish the temporary at-grade tram tracks and road diversion
to the west of Mount Alexander Road.
Complete sequenced excavation and construction of the
Buckley Street grade separation with rail under road.
Excavate and construct new tunnel walls, base and tracks below
grade to the east, as and when required.
New at grade tram tracks
become operational
Demolish temporary
tram tracks
Construct new
underground third track
Construct underground
space for future fourth track
Construct new underground
viaduct and cover
Operational track
Redundant track
Newly constructed track
Demolished track
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 81
Appendix A:
Previous Rail
Options
The drawings in this section summarise rail options explored by
VicTrack in 2012 and rail options explored by MVCC in 2013/14,
using a consistent graphic format.
82 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Vic Track Study
The VicTrack study in late 2012 explored rail options for grade
separation at Buckley Street. All of the design options in the
study maintained the existing grade separation at Mount
Alexander Road of road under rail. Rail geometries had tie in with
existing rail alignment prior to the tracks crossing Mount
Alexander Road.
Approximate site area
Grade Separation
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 83
Vic Track Study- Option 1- Rail Over
This option proposed an elevated station and rail viaduct through
the middle of the Essendon Junction Activity Centre. Buckley
Street would remain at-grade. The station would be located
above Buckley Street and south of the retail precinct.
N
Park
Street
Elements
• Elevated station and elevated train line through activity centre
• Station moves south and elevated above Buckley Street
• Maintain existing grade separation of train over road at Mount Alexander
Buckley
Street
Elevated
Station
84 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Mount
Alexander
Road
Vic Track Study- Option 2- Rail Over/Road Under
This option proposed an elevated station and rail viaduct through
the middle of the Essendon Junction Activity Centre. Buckley
Street would be lower slightly, to reduce the height of the rail
viaduct. The station would be located above Buckley Street and
south of the retail precinct.
N
Buckley
Street
Park
Street
Elements
• Elevated station and elevated train line through activity centre
• Buckley Street lowered
• Station moves south and elevated above Buckley Street
• Maintain existing grade separation of train over road at Mount Alexander
Elevated
Station
Mount
Alexander
Road
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 85
Vic Track Study Option 3 – Rail Under/Relocate
Station
This option proposed an underground rail solution with a
below-grade station. Buckley Street would remain at-grade. The
station would be located south of Buckley Street and the retail
precinct.
N
Buckley
Street
Park
Street
Mount
Alexander
Road
Elements
• Underground train line through activity centre
• New underground station south of Buckley Street
• Maintain existing grade separation of train over
road at Mount Alexander
Underground
Station
86 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Vic Track Study Option 4 – Rail At Grade/Road Over
This option proposed to maintain the rail at-grade with an
elevated road overpass along Buckley Street. The station would
be maintained in the heritage buildings.
N
Park
Street
Mount
Alexander
Road
Buckley
Street
Elements
• Maintain train line and station at grade
• Elevated Buckley Street over the rail line
• Maintain existing grade separation of train
over road at Mount Alexander
At Grade
Station
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 87
Vic Track Study Option 5 – Rail At Grade/Road Under
This option proposed to maintain the rail at-grade with a road
underpass along Buckley Street. The station would be
maintained in the heritage buildings. This design was selected by
VicTrack as the preferred option.
N
Park
Street
Mount
Alexander
Road
Buckley
Street
Elements
• Maintain train line and station at grade
• Underground Buckley Street below the rail line
• Maintain existing grade separation of train over
road at Mount Alexander
At Grade
Station
88 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Vic Track Study Option 5 – Rail At Grade/Road Under
This option proposed to maintain the rail at-grade with a road
underpass along Buckley Street. The station would be
maintained in the heritage buildings. This design was selected by
VicTrack as the preferred option.
The proposed road underpass would impact on the traffic and
pedestrian movements around the station and the retail precinct.
Buckley Street
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 89
VicTrack Study Option 5 – Rail At Grade / Road
Under
This option proposed to maintain the rail at-grade with a road
underpass along Buckley Street. The station would be
maintained in the heritage buildings. This design was selected by
VicTrack as the preferred option.
The proposed road underpass would impact on the traffic and
pedestrian movements around the station and the retail precinct.
This drawing illustrates the option in context.
Approximate site area
Grade Separation
90 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Vic Track Study- Barriers
The option preferred by VicTrack would exacerbate the
fragmentation of the activity centre by maintaining the barriers of
the at-grade rail and the Mount Alexander Road underpass, as
well as introducing a new barrier in the form of a Buckley Street
underpass.
33
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 91
Extent of VicTrack Study
All options in the VicTrack study include grade separation at
Buckley St but maintained the existing road under rail condition
at Mount Alexander Road.
Approximate site area
Grade Separation
92 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
MVCC Study
MVCC expanded the extent of the study with rail under road
grade separations requested at both Buckley Street and Mount
Alexander Road.
Approximate site area
Grade Separation
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 93
MVCC Study – Option 1 – Rail Under / Road At Grade
This option proposed rail under Buckley Street and Mount
Alexander Road. Road and tram traffic along Mount Alexander
Road was restored to slightly above grade, to minimise
excavation
N
Elements
• Underground train line through activity centre
• New underground station between Buckley Street and
Mount Alexander Road
• Buckley Street at grade
• Mount Alexander Road restored slightly above grade
Buckley
Street
Mount
Alexander
Road
Underground
Station
94 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
MVCC Study – Option 2 – Rail Under / Road At Grade
This option proposed rail under Buckley Street and Mount
Alexander Road. Road and tram traffic along Mount Alexander
Road was restored to grade, to maximise pedestrian connectivity
and potential for commercial development.
N
Elements
• Underground train line through activity centre
• New underground station between Buckley Street and
Mount Alexander Road
• Buckley Street at grade
• Mount Alexander Road restored to grade
Buckley
Street
Underground
Station
Mount
Alexander
Road
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 95
Appendix B:
PCA Report
PROJECTS
VICTORIA’S BEST INVESTMENT SITES
20 PROJECTS // VICTORIA’S BEST INVESTMENT SITES
96 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
T1
NAPIER
STREET
GREATER
MELBOURNE
CRICKET
GROUND
RAILWAY
ESSENDON
STATION
SIZE //
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YHPS^H`SHUK[OLWYLJPUJ[OHZHUV]LYHSSHYLHVM
HWWYV_PTH[LS`OLJ[HYLZ
TIMING //
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.V]LYUTLU[HZHWV[LU[PHSYLKL]LSVWTLU[WYLJPUJ[
;OPZ^V\SKPU]VS]LHNYHKLZLWHYH[PVUH[[OL)\JRSL`
:[YLL[SL]LSJYVZZPUNYLTV]HSVM[OL4V\U[(SL_HUKLY
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KL]LSVWTLU[HSVUN^P[O[OL[^VJVTT\[LYJHYWHYRZ
[V[OLUVY[O
4VVULL=HSSL`*P[`*V\UJPSHYLJ\YYLU[S`WYLWHYPUN[OL
,ZZLUKVU1\UJ[PVU:[Y\J[\YL7SHU^OPJO^PSSZL[V\[H
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HYLKL]LSVWLKYHPS^H`Z[H[PVUWYLJPUJ[
20 PROJECTS // VICTORIA’S BEST INVESTMENT SITES
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HZZLZZ[OLSPRLS`]HS\LVM[OLZHSLKL]LSVWTLU[OV^L]LY
[OLKL]LSVWHISLMVV[WYPU[Z\NNLZ[Z[OH[HWYVQLJ[VMZJHSL
JV\SKILKLSP]LYLKH[[OLZP[L
SHAMROCK
STREET
FLETCHER
STREET
MT ALEXANDER
ROAD
MILLER
STREET
T1 ESSENDON
STATION
ROSE
STREET
:[Y\J[\YLWSHUUPUN^VYRZHYLJ\YYLU[S`ILPUN\UKLY[HRLU
OV^L]LY,ZZLUKVU:[H[PVU^HZUV[PUJS\KLKPU[OLYLJLU[
HUUV\UJLTLU[VMM\UKLKNYHKLZLWHYH[PVUWYVQLJ[Z
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PAGE 19
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:[YLL[HUK4V\U[(SL_HUKLY9VHK
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STREET
RUSSELL
STREET
BUCKLEY
STREET
PARTNERSHIP //
=PJ;YHJRHZSHUKV^ULYZVM[OLZP[L^V\SKOH]L[OL
VW[PVU[VZLLRH1VPU[=LU[\YLWHY[ULYZOPWMVY[OL
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USE MIX //
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HYLH[V[OLUVY[O
SIZE //
TIMING //
PARTNERSHIP //
USE MIX //
$100 - $250
MILLION
2 YEARS
JV - 50/50
MODERATE
20 PROJECTS // VICTORIA’S BEST INVESTMENT SITES
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 97
Appendix C:
Rail options
The following drawings are large scale representations of the
three rail options in Section 3.
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GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 99
Option 1 Grade Separation Rail Plan
0
25
50
Sheet 1
75
100
N
Metres
100 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Option 1 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
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Option 1 Grade Separation Rail Plan
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Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Option 1 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
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Option 1 Longitudinal Section
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Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Option 1 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 105
Option 2 Grade Separation Rail Plan
0
25
50
Sheet 1
75
100
N
Metres
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Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Option 2 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
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Option 2 Grade Separation Rail Plan
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Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Option 2 Longitudinal Section
VERTICAL 1:100
AT ORIGINAL SIZE
Sheet 1
0
1
2
3
4
5m
HORIZONTAL 1:1000
0
AT ORIGINAL SIZE
10
20
30
40
50m
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 109
Option 2 Longitudinal Section
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Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Option 2 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 111
Preferred Option
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Option 3 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Excavation envelope
0
25
50
75
100
N
Metres
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Sheet 1
Station platform location
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Option 3 Grade Separation Rail Plan
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 113
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Option 3 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Connection line
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Option 3 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Connection line
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Option 3 Longitudinal Section
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Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Option 3 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
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Option 3 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
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Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Option 3 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 119
Appendix D:
OVGA Panel
Review
The Essendon Junction Grade Separation Project was reviewed
by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect’s Design
Review Panel on 19 February 2014. Their views on the project
are expressed in the following report.
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CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
VICTORIAN DESIGN
REVIEW PANEL
Essendon Junction Grade Separation Project
February 2014
Essendon Junction Grade Separation Project
Design Review Report – 19 February 2014
We thank the Moonee Valley City Council (MVCC) and GHD for presenting the Essendon
Junction Grade Separation Project to the Victorian Design Review Panel. We also thank VicTrack
and Heritage Victoria for attending and contributing to the session.
This is a fascinating project with a number of complex contextual issues. We support MVCC’s
concerns about the functionality of the Essendon Junction and its surrounding precinct and also
the balanced approach being taken to a large-scale infrastructure intervention with significant
heritage considerations. This grade separation project has the potential to unlock a great number
of opportunities for central Essendon and we are pleased to see MVCC leading this infrastructure
project with an openness to the urban regeneration possibilities.
Strategic considerations
We commend MVCC’s ‘big picture’ view of this infrastructure project and the ambition to improve
pedestrian connections in an activity area that is currently divided by significant road and rail
barriers.
The resolution of the Junction for pedestrians is an important focus of this project, however the
Junction is not necessarily a place within Essendon to which people are drawn. There is an
important strategic question to be determined: where is the ‘heart’ of the activity area? We
suggest the exercise of mapping people movements through the precinct would be beneficial to
understand where people are moving to, the timing of journeys and the barriers to moving through
the precinct by foot. Giving consideration to how people engage with the Essendon activity area
will give clues to the direction the project needs to take and clarify the options that align with the
vision for the area. While we acknowledge there are multiple possibilities for the public realm that
can result from a grade separation at Essendon, we suggest the opportunities to be pursued will
become clearer following this type of strategic analysis.
We strongly encourage the design of the Junction precinct as a whole rather than focus too
heavily on the individual interventions. Essendon has a history and an identity and it is important
that these elements of the place are strengthened and respected as the design develops.
Rail-under-Road Options
The rail-under-road solution proposes a good outcome for Essendon and enables opportunities to
reconnect and revitalise the Essendon centre. The next stage of the investigation should provide a
more comprehensive understanding of the benefits associated with this solution in order to
demonstrate clearly the value that such an investment can provide. We note that two options for
rail-under-road have been developed and suggest that this type of assessment will be useful
should the project team be required to establish which solution offers the greater benefits or
delivers a better result in terms of public outcome and development potential.
Of the two options presented, we acknowledge that the option that proposes a section of Mt
Alexander Road being raised could be managed if properties and future development in the area
is planned for in a way that accommodates the raised ground level. A commitment to adapting the
2
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 121
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
surrounding urban environment to suit this grade change would be critical to ensuring the existing
barrier at Mt Alexander Road is simply not replaced with another form of barrier. The Panel
agreed that such an endeavour would take considerable time and additional investment before a
good urban outcome could be achieved. It was noted that it is often a false economy to undertake
a less expensive option that is not able to deliver the same level of enduring benefits that will be
offered by a more expensive option. In this instance, the indicative cost difference between the
two options seems negligible in an investment of this scale and, for all the above reasons, we offer
support for the rail-under-road solution that restores Mt Alexander Road to its original grade.
Essendon Junction and Mt Alexander Road
The proposal to extend the Mt Alexander Road ‘boulevard’ through the Essendon Junction is
supported in principle. Returning this section of Mt Alexander Road to its original 60-metre
alignment may be perceived to be in conflict with the idea of improving pedestrian connectivity in
the precinct. However, we suggest that if designed appropriately this central section of the
boulevard can provide a strong civic outcome and a pedestrian-friendly environment. A similar
scaled boulevard, Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, offers a useful precedent for how the median can be
designed to be a high quality public realm and functional space for people and transport. We
encourage consideration of how pedestrians can be afforded priority in central Essendon and of
how the Mt Alexander Road barrier can be overcome. The early ideas about integration of a tram
stop with crossing points on this section of the boulevard deserves further investigation, along with
other opportunities such as designing the median as a plaza, with the potential inclusion of a
Station entrance. A boulevard does not have to be of a consistent character for its entire length
and there are opportunities for this section of Mt Alexander Road to respond to its location as well
as provide functional improvements at the Junction. We support the proposal to introduce trees as
a means of reinforcing the existing boulevard character north and south of the Junction.
This is a unique and rare opportunity for MVCC to rethink the urban structure in central Essendon.
We encourage the team to be inventive in overcoming the difficulties at the Junction and not be
constrained by the existing corners and edges that may be contributing to the problem.
VicTrack – Carpark Site
VicTrack has an important stake in the re-visioning of central Essendon given the scale of its
landholdings and its long frontage to Mt Alexander Road at the Junction. We encourage VicTrack
and MVCC to continue to discuss leveraging opportunities from the available land within the
Essendon Junction precinct. There is obvious development potential on the VicTrack site and we
support a mixed-use proposal that makes a strong contribution to central Essendon and sets the
benchmark for further development within the precinct. Appropriate development on the VicTrack
land has the potential to unlock value on both sides of Mt Alexander Road.
It is important that the east side of Mt Alexander Road contributes in proportion with the VicTrack
site and in line with the vision for the Essendon Junction more broadly. We suggest investigating
how the VicTrack land could form part of a broader strategy for development in the precinct: for
example, offering VicTrack land as an offset to release the land opposite for development.
the next stage of investigation include 3D massing and sectional diagrams to explore the scale of
built form to ensure that it is appropriate and contributory.
Essendon Station Complex
We encourage further investigation into the possibilities for adaptive reuse of the Essendon
Station complex, in partnership with Heritage Victoria, to determine a solution that maintains the
integrity of the Station’s heritage qualities while allowing for contemporary transport standards.
While re-use of the heritage Station as an entry to the new underground railway platforms is an
appealing idea, the resultant interventions are potentially severe. Further investigation of this
possibility is required.
The option to adapt the Station precinct to a place for pedestrians, potentially as a ‘city square’
with retail, is positive. As the options for the Station precinct develop, consideration of the scale of
new public spaces, the integration of laneways and connections, and the proposed landscaping,
will become increasingly important. The presented drawings were useful to demonstrate possible
opportunities for the precinct, but consideration now needs to be given to the location of
pedestrian links through the Station and broader VicTrack site.
Next Steps
In addition to the comments above, resolution is needed about whether the railway corridor will
accommodate freight trains and whether a curved track at the Station platform acceptably meets
universal design requirements. The three transport modes within the precinct need to work
cohesively together while establishing central Essendon as a desirable place for people.
While this early stage of the project is assessing feasibility, the next stage needs integrated and
visionary design thinking to unlock the opportunities that this level of investment and intervention
may enable in Essendon. We encourage MVCC to develop the concepts and options in more
detail in order to inform better the choices that will have to be made. We offer MVCC the support
of the Office of the Victorian Government Architect through design workshop facilitation and a
second review of the proposal by the Victorian Design Review Panel at the next appropriate
design stage.
Geoffrey London
Victorian Government Architect
Up to 12 storeys of development are allowed on the VicTrack site. We question the ‘fit’ of built
form of this scale within the Essendon context. While we understand that the economic feasibility
of development on this site is an important factor in the case for the grade separation project, this
needs to be balanced with the possible impact of overdevelopment in this area. We recommend
3
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4
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 123
Addendum:
Option 4
In February 2015, GHD was engaged by MVCC to update the
concept drawing for the preferred option in this report (option 3),
to respond to a set of rail design requirements provided by
Public Transport Victoria (PTV).
Option four is a further developed version of Option 3 that
responds to a number of rail technical requirements specified by
PTV, including but not limited to the length and number of
platforms. Table 1.a provides a list of PTV’s requirements and
commentary on how those are met by Option 4.
In addition to the design work associated with Option 4, GHD
also considered the impact of the rail grade separation on the
gas main in Buckley Street and the potential impact of the Mt
Alexander Road rail under road grade separation on the
Shamrock Road intersection.
124 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 125
Table 1.a PTV’s requirements and option 4
Transport Requirement
Heavy Rail Track
Description
Option 4
Status
Maintain 2 broad gauge tracks within the Newmarket and
Craigieburn corridor section
Maintains 2 broad gauge tracks
Has been addressed
Maintain 3 broad gauge tracks from approximately 300m north of
Essendon precinct
Maintains 3 broad gauge tracks
Has been addressed
The proposed track configurations have been design to permit
parallel movements for turn-back operations as well as through
services without conflict
Allows parallel movements for turn-back operations as well as
through services without conflict
Has been addressed
All turnouts to be 1:15 to allow for 65 km/h operational speeds
through turnouts where possible
Base design provides 230 m platforms with 1 in 15 turnouts and
therefore 65 km/h through turnouts. However, R300 m curves at
ends of platforms restrict speeds to 45 km/h through platforms. It
may be possible if detailed survey were available, additional
alignment design options may achieve a higher design speed.
However, Essendon is a key node and therefore even if express
services were introduced elsewhere on this line in the future,
Essendon is unlikely to experience any significant express running.
The 45 km/h curve speed restrictions will have negligible impact on
train running times.
Partially addressed
Rail grade
Maximum vertical gradient of rail = 2%
2% maximum grade provided
Has been addressed
Track spacing
Minimum spacing between centre lines = 4.0 m
4.0 m track spacing provided
Has been addressed
Platform configuration
The three platforms are to be retained for Essendon Station and are
proposed to be extended to a length of 160 m
Three underground platforms provided
Has been addressed
Option for platforms to accommodate 9 car train operations (230 m
platforms)
Base design provides 230 m platforms.
Has been addressed
Option to straighten platform 1, 2 and 3
Three platforms are provided, all are straight
Has been addressed
DDA Access
Consider how to upgrade the station to full DDA compliance
Underground platforms have been sized and located such that full
DDA compliant access can readily be achieved without impacting
heritage aspects of the existing station.
Details not developed but
principles have been
addressed
Modal Interchange
Provide for;
Underground tracks and platforms have been located such that a
flexible bus facility layout can readily be achieved.
Details not developed but
principles have been
addressed
Track configuration
• 5 bus bays on west side of Russell Street
• 3 bus bays on east side of Russell Street
Numerous enhanced options are available for optimising tram
connectivity.
• Three bus bays on east side of Rose Street
• Improved connectivity to tram stop on Mt Alexander Road
126 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Transport Requirement
Description
Option 4
Status
Commuter car parking
Need to maintain the existing number of commuter parking spaces
Undergrounding of tracks and platforms improves flexibility of
commuter car parking layout and possible increase in size.
Details not developed but
principles have been
addressed
Taxi / Kiss and Ride
Suitable kiss and ride facilities
Underground tracks and platforms have been located such that a
flexible kiss and ride facility layout can readily be achieved
Details not developed but
principles have been
addressed
Suitable taxi facilities
Underground tracks and platforms have been located such that a
flexible taxi facility layout can readily be achieved.
Details not developed but
principles have been
addressed
Impact on Mt Alexander
Road
Attempt to reduce impact to the existing Mt Alexander Road grade
separation
Proposed undergrounding of tracks and platforms involves reversing Not addressed
the Mt Alexander road grade separation (to rail under road).
Impact on Buckley Street
Grade Separation
Attempt to reduce impact of grade separation at Buckley Street
Proposed undergrounding of tracks and platforms eliminates the
at-grade rail crossing without the negative impacts of regrading/
lowering Buckley Street
Has been addressed
Property acquisition
Limit / no property acquisition
Proposed undergrounding of tracks and platforms requires a small
amount of permanent property acquisition including:
Partially addressed
• Grice Crescent
• Mt Alexander Rd/Raleigh Street corner
• Sherbourne Street
Temporary track work would require a small amount of temporary
occupation/property acquisition including;
• Field Street
• Carlyle Street
• Napier Street
Temporary road and tram diversions would have a significant but
temporary impact on station car parking
Heritage
Retain existing heritage buildings on both platforms
• Heritage buildings and platforms to be retained.
Partially addressed
• Underpass and ramps require modification/partial demolition to
achieve underground tracks.
Utilities (Gas Main)
Need to address impact of Buckley Street Grade Separation on the
high pressure gas main
Gas main can be accommodated in the
bridge/deck structure over the underground tracks
Has been
addressed
Gas main can be accommodated in the bridge/deck structure over
the underground tracks
Has been addressed
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 127
Option 4
Station platform location
Excavation envelope
50
100
N
0
Metres
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GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 129
Buckley Street Gas Main
The presence of gas reticulation in the vicinity of Buckley Street
and the railway crossing has been investigated, using the Dial
Before you Dig (DBYD) service. The results are shown on the
plan entitled Buckley Street – Gas Main Locations with the main
sizes derived from adjacent DBYD detail plans.
In summary there are 100 mm and 225 mains on the south side
of the road; the 225 mm main is continuous through the rail
crossing, while the 100 mm main comes from the south in
Sherbourne Road and turns to the west in Buckley Street. On
the north side there is a 100 mm main continuous through the
crossing and a proposed offtake main heading North on either
the west side of railway reserve or the east side of Rose Street.
Offsets are shown on the plan.
The detail DBYD plans indicate that all existing mains are cast
iron; the 225 main was constructed in 1918 and the 100 mains
were installed in 1936. It is considered these mains would be
reaching the end of the service life and will eventually be
scheduled for replacement. This would need to be confirmed
with SP Ausnet, the relevant gas authority for the region.
It is recommended that discussions are initiated at an early date
with the gas authority to investigate whether the gas main
replacement can be undertaken in conjunction with rail
regrading works, thus reducing the need for temporary
connections on the existing mains when new mains are installed
in the bridge understructure.
As it is likely the bridge structure will comprise a series of super
T’s or similar, the gas mains can be satisfactorily located in the
void space between adjacent webs, in line with previous
practices. The gas authority should be requested to provide
advice on their requirements for accessibility to the gas mains.
130 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
100mm Prop
Area Requested in DBYD
Gas Distribution Mains
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 131
Mt Alexander Road concept grading
A concept gradeline has been prepared for Mt Alexander Road
at the proposed rail under road grade separation using MGA 55
contour information. This indicates that a road surface level of
approximately RL 44.00 can be graded into the existing surface
level before the intersections immediately to the north and south
of the rail corridor. This assumes a grade of 2% on the north
western side and 1.6% on the south eastern side of the rail
crossing estimated from available contour information. Based on
this concept the vertical alignment of the road should allow
sufficient sight distance to the back of queue in the event that
the Shamrock Road intersection is signalised in the future.
The vertical alignment of Mt Alexander road is heavily influenced
by the rail design levels, clearance envelopes and depth of
structure. As such, the road alignment should be considered as
an integral part of subsequent design stages to ensure that an
optimal outcome is achieved.
132 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
MT ALEXANDER ROAD
CH 188.000 TP
CH 180.000
CH 160.000
CH 140.000
CH 120.000
CH 100.000
CH 80.000
CH 60.000
CH 40.000
CH 20.000
CH 0.000 TP
PLAN
IP CH 164.66 RL 42.67
RAIL CLEARANCE ENVELOPE
RL 44.00
SAG CH 168.23 RL 42.82
IP
CHCH
15.23
RLRL
42.94
SAG
13.27
43.11
IP CH 84.74 RL 44.75
CREST CH 84.74 RL 44.29
1:1000
VERTICAL SCALE 1:200
AT ORIGINAL SIZE
0
2
4
6m
HORIZONTAL SCALE 1:1000
AT ORIGINAL SIZE
0
10
20
30m
A
CH 179.66 RL42.91
CH 149.66 RL43.06
CH 49.74 RL43.84
CH 30.23 RL43.33
CH 0.23 RL43.24
CH 119.74 RL43.84
PRELIMINARY
rev
PRELIMINARY ISSUE
description
app'd
date
ESSENDON STATION GRADE SEPARATION
MT ALEXANDER ROAD
CONCEPT GRADING
DATUM RL. 35.00
L=0.23m
L=19.51m
K=6.52
L=30m
L=29.92m
K=13.46
L=70m
L=8.34m
43.143
43.583
44.064
44.283
44.205
43.830
43.310
42.864
42.914
43.042
EXISTING
SURFACE LEVEL
42.44
41.58
40.40
40.00
40.00
40.40
41.16
41.96
42.75
43.04
40.000
60.000
80.000
100.000
120.000
140.000
160.000
180.000
188.000
G=1.6%
DESIGN
SURFACE LEVEL
CHAINAGE
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
HORIZONTAL SCALE 1:1000
VERTICAL SCALE 1:200
Plot Date:
K=7.14
L=30m
20.000
G=-2.6%
43.244
G=2.6%
43.24
G=-2%
0.000
VERTICAL ALIGNMENT
18 February 2015 - 4:30 PM
Plotted by:
Tim James
Cad File No:
Level 8, 180 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
T 61 3 8687 8000 F 61 3 8687 8111
E [email protected] W www.ghd.com
Conditions of Use: This document may only be used by GHD's client (and any other
person who GHD has agreed can use this document) for the purpose for which it was
prepared and must not be used by any other person or for any other purpose.
scale 1:1000
date
VERTICAL SCALE 1:200
AT ORIGINAL SIZE
0
2
4
6m
HORIZONTAL SCALE 1:1000
AT ORIGINAL SIZE
0
10
20
30m
FEB 2015
approved (PD)
for A3
job no. 31-0919749
rev no. A
SK 002
G:\31\0919749\CADD\Drawings\31-0919749-SK002.dwg
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 133
Option 4 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Excavation envelope
0
25
50
75
100
N
Metres
134 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Option 4 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Station platform location
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Option 4 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Connection line
136 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Option 4 Grade Separation Rail Plan
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Connection line
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 137
Option 4 Longitudinal Section
138 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Option 4 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 139
Option 4 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
140 | March 2015 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | GHD
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
Option 4 Longitudinal Section
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
Sheet 4
GHD | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3132598 | March 2015 | 141
GHD Pty Ltd
Level 8, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000
T (03) 8687 0000 F (03) 8687 8111 E [email protected]
© GHD Pty Ltd 2013
This document is and shall remain the property of GHD Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for
the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for the
commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.
Document Status
Rev
No.
Author
1
Gianna Di
Santo
Reviewer
Name
Kevin Begg
Authorisation
Signature
Name
Matt Kroll
Signature
Date
18-03-15
G:\31\32598
142 | December 2013 | Essendon Junction Grade Separation, Draft Feasibility Assessment Report – Project No. 3130645 | GHD
www.ghd.com