Bedford Road level crossing free

The dangerous and congested level crossing at Bedford Road, Ringwood is gone for good – a year ahead of schedule, with trains now running in the new rail trench.

The removal of the Bedford Road level crossing marks the 75th level crossing removal – a year ahead of schedule – and means the Belgrave Line is now level crossing free from the city to Ferntree Gully, changing how locals live, work and travel.

Since the end of January, more than 200 people worked around the clock to remove the old rail line and rail equipment, remove 20,000 cubic metres of soil and install 226 concrete piles to support the new 380-metre rail trench and build the new road bridge.

The removal of the dangerous and congested Bedford Road level crossing sees an end to frustrating delays for commuters, where boom gates were down for up to 23 minutes during the morning peak, as well as providing the community with safer pedestrian access across the rail line.

Works are continuing nearby at Dublin Road, Ringwood East, where we're building a rail trench that will make Ringwood level crossing free later this year, as well as delivering a brand-new Ringwood East Station.

Why this level crossing needed to go

• 13,500 vehicles travelled through the level crossing daily
• Boom gates were down for up to 23 minutes during the morning peak
• 15 trains passed through during the morning peak
• Improving safety and reducing congestion

To thank the community for their patience during the two-month construction blitz, we handed out Easter treats and vouchers from local Bedford Road traders to commuters travelling along the level crossing free Bedford Road for the first time.

Bedford Road early reopening

With the level crossing now gone for good, works will continue at Bedford Road, where we'll build the missing walking and cycling link between the Heathmont Rail Trail and Bedford Park alongside the Belgrave Line. The new path will remove the need to travel on-road via Lena Grove and will improve walking and cycling options in the area.

Landscaping and other minor works, including shared use path construction, will be complete by mid-2024. We'll keep the community informed on what to expect.

Dublin Road works get a big lift

Major construction is underway at Dublin Road to dig the 650-metre rail trench, remove the level crossing and build the new Ringwood East Station.

We’ve been continuing major excavation works on the northern side of the rail line, as well as installing lift shafts and modular buildings for the new Ringwood East Station. The new station will have better facilities for passengers, including more lighting and CCTV, and will open in early July.

Construction in numbers

• 226 piles
• 20,000 cubic metres of dirt excavated
• 380-metre rail trench
• Trench depth of 7 metres
• 6 excavators
• More than 200 construction workers
• Almost 1.2km of new rail track laid

Be rewarded by shopping local

Thousands of shoppers have been rewarded via Stamp Me when they shop in Ringwood East.

Purchases of $10 or more with a participating Railway Avenue trader gets you a stamp, with 9 stamps earning you a $10 voucher.

Shops are open while we work, so be sure to support your local traders.

Sign up for Stamp Me

Project timeline

2022

• Project designs released
• Contract awarded

Early 2023

• Site establishment
• Early works

Mid-late 2023

• Major construction underway
• Final landscaping designs released

Early 2024

• Bedford Road level crossing removed

Mid-late 2024

• Dublin Road level crossing removed
• New Ringwood East Station opens
• Bedford Road landscaping and shared use path completed

* Timeline subject to change.

Stay informed

• Sign up for email updates
• Follow Level Crossing Removal Project on social media
• Sign up for SMS alerts by texting RINGWOOD to 0428 387 902