AUSTRALIA
“ One of the reasons we were really intrigued by this solution is that of all the areas in Melbourne , this has some of the least amount of green open space ,” says Summers .
“ That kind of set off a light bulb moment for us where we thought , ‘ let ’ s take a nontraditional approach and consider elevating the structure ’. Basically , everything we elevate , we open up that space underneath .
“ Historically , when level crossings have been removed in Victoria , the train line is dropped into a ditch and that ’ s it . But on
“ It ’ s actually about leaving a legacy behind that improves everybody ’ s lives ”
this particular job we ’ ve flipped that whole concept on its head .”
In the end , there were several compelling factors that led to the choice of ‘ rail over ’ for the project , which is tackling all nine crossings as a package . Putting the rail line down into a trench would require three times the amount of rail closures and a dramatic increase in the number of trucks – particularly excavators - on the road .
The innovative plans mean the area opens up to 225,000 square metres – that ’ s a whopping 11
RILEY RESERVE ACTIVE SPACE