Watsonia Station Transforms for Safer Melbourne Transit

Watsonia Station car parks close until 2028 for level crossing removal work

Watsonia Station Closes Car Parks Through 2028

Commuters at Watsonia Station face limited parking through 2028 as Public Transport Victoria closes car parks for level crossing removal work. The closures began mid-March 2024 and will continue for approximately four years, transit officials said. The exact number of parking spaces affected hasn't been publicly disclosed, though PTV classified the disruption as medium severity.

Level Crossing Project Drives Extended Closure

The car park closures are part of Victoria's Level Crossing Removal Project, a state-wide infrastructure program launched in 2015 to eliminate 85 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne. The project aims to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enable more frequent train services, according to the government program. Watsonia Station's extended closure reflects the complexity of construction work required at the site. Officials haven't released specific details about which parking areas will close first or whether closures will be phased throughout the project timeline.

Alternative Parking Details Remain Unclear

PTV advised commuters to consider nearby parking facilities during the closure period, though specific alternative locations and their capacity weren't detailed by the transit agency. Officials said passengers should plan ahead and explore alternative transport options to reach the station. The agency hasn't provided information about temporary parking arrangements or shuttle services that might be available during construction. Project cost details for the Watsonia level crossing removal haven't been made publicly available, and officials didn't specify whether parking capacity will increase once work is complete.

Four-Year Timeline With Limited Milestones

The closures are expected to continue through 2028, though specific phases of the project haven't been publicly outlined. Officials didn't provide a detailed construction timeline or indicate when portions of the car park might reopen during the work period. The Level Crossing Removal Project typically coordinates with PTV on station disruptions, but neither agency has released milestone dates for the Watsonia work.

Commuters Face Extended Parking Challenges

The four-year closure will require regular Watsonia Station drivers to find long-term parking solutions or shift to alternative transport methods. Officials said commuters should check for updates as the project progresses, though they haven't specified how frequently new information will be released. Moovit provides real-time service information for trains serving Watsonia Station to help riders plan their journeys during the construction period.