The Allan Labor Government is set to remove Reservoir’s boom gates at Keon Parade and open the new Keon Park Station by spring 2024 – one year ahead of schedule.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson announced the works to remove the dangerous level crossing will ramp up in early 2024.

Buses will replace trains between Reservoir and Epping on the Mernda Line from 9pm, Thursday 11 January to Sunday 21 January 2024.

From 22 January, trains headed towards the city will travel on the completed rail bridge over Keon Parade, as the construction team starts work on the second rail bridge in the opposite direction. Trains headed to Mernda will remain on the ground track, directly below, until spring 2024.

During this time, trains will not stop at Keon Park Station, and a shuttle bus will run between Thomastown and Ruthven stations for passengers who need to get on and off at Keon Park Station.

Once the second 750-metre-long rail bridge is complete, the 18,000 vehicles that travel on Keon Parade each day will no longer have to stop for trains – making the area boom gate free and unclogging local roads.

When the new station opens, it will give passengers improved connections between bus and train services and locals a new link to the Johnson Street shops.

It will also feature elevated platforms with access via lifts and stairs, shelter and lighting, secure bicycle storage and more paths through the precinct.

The Labor Government is removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings by 2030, with 73 already gone for good, boosting safety and easing congestion.

Passengers are asked to plan ahead while works are underway. To keep updated, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.