Major works starting early 2023

We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossings at Bedford Road, Ringwood and Dublin Road, Ringwood East and building a new Ringwood East Station.

Works to remove the 2 level crossings by building rail trenches under the roads will start in early 2023.

A construction contract has been awarded and workers will start by building work sheds and fencing off work areas to keep the community and workers safe.

More than 23,000 vehicles drive through the dangerous and congested level crossings every day, with the boom gates staying down for up to 23 minutes during the morning peak.

We'll deliver new pedestrian and cycling connections, as well as around 460 upgraded commuter car parks and 2 entrances at the new station.

Both sets of boom gates will be gone and the new station will be open in 2025.

In total we are removing 110 level crossings across Melbourne, with 67 already gone for good, including 6 on the Lilydale–Belgrave Line.

Setting up our construction sites

We're getting ready for construction by setting up site offices and space for machinery. This creates a safe environment for the community and our workers.

Some of the key activities will include:

• installing fencing, hoarding and temporary lighting around our sites
• building driveways to provide site access
• connection of utilities to the sites
• construction of storage and parking areas
• tree and vegetation removal
• delivery of construction materials and equipment.

We carefully plan and monitor all of our construction activities to minimise impacts as much as possible.

We'll give regular updates to local residents, businesses and schools through works notices, door knocks, signage and information online.

What’s next

Before we start building the rail trenches, we need to prepare the sites and relocate several underground utilities and from mid-2023, you’ll start to see more construction work in and around the rail corridor, with piling rigs arriving on site. We’ll also install critical new rail infrastructure.

We’ll make sure residents and businesses are informed of these works in advance.

You can look forward to:

• improved safety and less road congestion
• around 60,000 new trees, shrubs and grasses
• new Ringwood East Station with better facilities and 2 entrances
• around 460 upgraded car parking spaces at Ringwood East Station
• new pedestrian and cycling connections, including the missing link from Bedford Park to the Heathmont Rail Trail

Trees and vegetation

We understand that native vegetation and greenery is important to the local Ringwood community. We'll do our best to retain as many trees as possible while also planting 60,000 new trees, shrubs and grasses.

To build the 2 rail trenches and brand-new station, some trees and vegetation in and around the rail corridor will need to be removed.

In response to community feedback, our landscaping plans will include a mix of native and indigenous species found in the area. More details on the landscaping plans will be provided as the project progresses.

Keeping passengers on track

To support our works, we’ll set up site compounds along the rail corridor and at the Ringwood East Station car park, starting with the gravel areas adjacent to Dublin Road.

We'll provide temporary commuter parking at Pratt Street, Ringwood – a 500 metre walk to Ringwood Station.

Joining forces with local businesses

We’re working closely with local businesses, the local traders’ association and community organisations within the Railway Avenue and Bedford Road precincts to support them during the construction phase.

We’ll ensure access to businesses is maintained so please continue to shop local and support your local traders throughout the works.

If you run a local business, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us by calling 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Welcoming our Ringwood construction liaison group

Thank you to everyone who applied for the Bedford Road and Dublin Road construction liaison group (CLG).

We welcomed CLG members by hosting a site walk and tour around the Ringwood project area. The CLG will meet regularly to support the project team by informing their networks about important construction information and providing a local perspective during construction.

Pop by for a chat

We’ll be popping up around the local shops and train stations over the next few weeks.

If you spot us, swing by and have a chat!

Project timeline

Early 2022

• Initial concept designs released.

Mid 2022

• Updated designs released.

2023

• Major construction starts.

2025

• Level crossings gone for good. Ringwood East Station opens.

* Timeline subject to change.

Stay connected to the project

• 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