Preston locals can apply to join a community panel to have their say on the design of new open space created by the Andrews Labor Government’s removal of four level crossings along the Mernda line.

The Preston Open Space Advisory Panel will help shape the open space created when the rail line is raised over the road to remove the level crossings at Murray Road, Cramer Street, Bell Street and Oakover Road in Preston – and locals are encouraged to take the opportunity and help shape their community.

The panel will bring together locals from diverse backgrounds and interest groups to make sure the views of the whole community are well represented – meeting throughout this year and working with a team of urban design and landscape specialists to provide direct input into the development of the new open space.

The broader Preston community will also have a chance to have their say on the new open space at community information sessions later this month.

Other open spaces at level crossing removal projects across Melbourne have included playgrounds, dog parks, the planting of native trees and shrubs and Indigenous artwork created by local communities.

Four busy and congested level crossings will be removed when a two-kilometre elevated rail line is built between Murray Road and Oakover Road, Preston.

New stations will be built at Bell and Preston, creating public open space beneath the rail line. The level crossings will be removed by the end of 2022, with the open space under the rail line to be ready for locals to enjoy in 2023.

About 82,000 vehicles pass through the four level crossings on the Mernda line each day. Bell Street is the busiest road in the level crossing removal project with 52,000 vehicles each day, and the boom gates down for up to 40 per cent of the morning peak.

The Labor Government’s Level Crossings Removal Project will remove 75 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025, making it safer, easier and faster to travel around the city.

For more information on how to apply for the advisory panel, visit https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.