Level Crossing Removal

The Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal (CTD) project comprised the replacement of nine dangerous rail level crossings with five elevated railway stations along one of Melbourne’s busiest transport corridors.

By elevating the line and stations, this project designed by Cox Architecture, presented an opportunity to transform an extensive tract of land within Melbourne’s metropolitan zone into a new linear park.

For decades, this rail corridor had acted as a major barrier to urban permeability, adding to road congestion, limiting links between suburbs and restricting the introduction of new rail services.

Cox Architecture were engaged to lead the architectural design of the new stations and to work with ASPECT Studios on the urban design of the parks below.

Cox Architecture’s design proposed an elevated viaduct with a consistent architectural expression across the five station precincts.

Each was conceived as a unique community hub, consisting at ground level of an urban plaza and pod-like structures for information and bike storage.

A distinctive canopy wraps each platform providing weather protection and framed views to the suburbs.

Materials were selected to reflect the character of each station’s surrounds.

The rail viaduct was designed as a ‘split’ solution, separating the tracks to reduce the visual bulk and to allow light and rainfall into the heart of the linear parks below.

At ground plane, the project has transformed 22 hectares of open space into a green linear park and enhanced opportunity for community sport, retail, cross-corridor connectivity, and social interaction.

Cox Architecture won a Public Architecture Award at the 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards. The jury cited the project to be “a very skilful and accomplished project,’ with all five stations having ‘a consistent and distinct architectural form providing a sense of identity to the rail corridor and sense of connection between adjoining suburbs.”

Project Awards

Architecture Award, Public Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects VIC Chapter 2019
Commendation, Urban Design, Australian Institute of Architects VIC Chapter 2019
High Commendation, Transport – Completed Buildings, World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2019
Gold Award for Commercial and Residential Architecture, Good Design Awards, 2019
Award of Excellence, Infrastructure – VIC, AILA Landscape Architecture Awards, 2019
National Landscape Architecture Award, Infrastructure, AILA Landscape Awards 2019
Commendation, Built Projects, City and Regional Scale, Australian Urban Design Awards, 2019
Excellence in Civil Construction, Master Builders Victoria, 2019

Project Details

Completion date – 2019

Project Team

Architecture

Cox Architecture

COX is a design-focused contemporary architectural practice with studios located in every major Australian city and a history spanning 60 years.

Key to their ethos is supporting the public life of our cities. Cox does this by ensuring each project makes positive contributions to its public realm – giving more than it takes.

www.coxarchitecture.com.au

Photography

Peter Clarke

Peter is an established photographer with over 20 years’ experience in his field. Over the years, Peter has gained extensive knowledge and experience documenting the built environment, as well as natural and man-made landscapes.

His collaborative approach and strong vision has seen his unique graphic style applied to a wide range of industries including architecture, construction, mining and aviation.

Peter works with a diverse range of clients including architects, design practices, government bodies, listed companies, and publishers.

www.peterclarke.com.au