Ringwood level crossing free

The dangerous and congested level crossing at Dublin Road, Ringwood East is gone for good – making the Lilydale Line level crossing free, a year ahead of schedule.

In July, we farewelled the Dublin Road, Ringwood East boom gates and opened a brand new Ringwood East Station.

This follows the removal of the Bedford Road, Ringwood level crossing earlier this year, and makes the Belgrave Line level crossing free between Ferntree Gully and the city.

During a 6 week construction blitz that kicked off in late May, more than 200 people worked around the clock to dismantle the boom gates, demolish the old Ringwood East Station, and complete the 650m rail trench.

Crews laid 8000 tonnes of ballast, 2500 sleepers, 1.9km of rail track and lifted in the last station building.

The new Ringwood East Station features lifts and stairs, CCTV, and improved lighting.

Throughout spring, crews will be in the area completing the station's second entrance, new landscaping, upgraded pedestrian and cycling paths, and the new station car park with more than 460 spaces, including more accessible car spaces.

Why these level crossings needed to go

• More than 23,000 vehicles travelled through the level crossings daily.
• Boom gates were down for up to 23 minutes during the morning peak.
• 34 trains during the morning peak.
• Improving safety and reducing congestion.

New Ringwood East Station open

The new Ringwood East Station opened on Monday 8 July, with the first trains running through the new 650m rail trench in the early hours of the morning and stopping at the new station.

Landscaping and other works, including completion of the car parks will continue over the coming months. We'll keep the community informed on what to expect.

New connections at Bedford Road

Earlier this year, we removed the dangerous and congested level crossing at Bedford Road, Ringwood by lowering the rail line into a 380m trench.

We've also built the missing pedestrian and cycling link that connects the 19.2km Heathmont Rail Trail to Bedford Park.

The new connection removes the need for pedestrians and cyclists to travel on-road via Lena Grove, improving safety and connectivity in the area.

Landscaping and finishing works

We've completed landscaping works at Bedford Road which include more than 60,000 native trees, plants and grasses being planted across the local Ringwood area.

Minor works will continue around Bedford Road and at the new community green space until late 2024.

Once complete, there will be more open space for locals to enjoy.

Sculpture by local artist: ‘Turtle Guardian’

Later this year, a large turtle sculpture created by local artist, Katie Stackhouse, will greet passengers at the new Ringwood East Station.

The ‘Turtle Guardian’ is inspired by the local Eastern Long-necked Turtle that lives in the waterways and lands in the surrounding area.

The bronze sculpture will form a meeting place for the community and is intended to act as a charm for safe travel.

Katie Stackhouse is a local early career artist based in Melbourne, who has an interest in the way humans can form connections, with botanical and animal life, water and a site’s geology.

Katie shared her inspiration for the artwork:

“This sculpture evolved after the memorable experience of rescuing a turtle on a busy road between Ringwood and Warrandyte. I began to think of the geometric structure of the turtle shell as a protective form, functioning as a poetic guardian for travellers, and a symbol for safe passage as people move, travel and connect in their daily lives.

I’m delighted to be making this work and look forward to seeing the community engage with it.”

Read more about the ‘Turtle Guardian’ artwork in our news story.

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.

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