Final road underpass designs released

We’re removing the Webster Street level crossing to make the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines boom gate free.

We're closing Webster Street at the level crossing and building a new road under the rail line, connecting Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads.

The final designs have been released of the new road underpass that will reroute traffic away from Dandenong’s CBD and keep heavy vehicles off Webster Street.

Your feedback has helped shape these designs.

Removing this level crossing will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and bike riders.

The new road underpass beneath the rail line will reduce congestion, deliver a more reliable road network and prepare Dandenong for future development.

Early works are underway and construction will start in 2025.

We're closing Webster Street at the level crossing in 2025 and the new road underpass will open in 2026, two years ahead of schedule.

Why this level crossing needs to go

• Up to 10,000 vehicles travel through this crossing each day
• Boom gates are down for up to 62 minutes during the morning peak (7am to 9am)
• 22 near misses since 2012

Your new road underpass opens in 2026

We're removing the Webster Street boom gates by closing the road at the level crossing. Once the level crossing is closed, Webster Street will be quieter for local residents.

We're building a new road underpass connecting Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads.

With a new signalised intersection, the new road underpass will provide a direct east-west connection between Cheltenham Road and Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street for vehicles of all sizes.

The new road underpass will open in 2026, two years ahead of schedule. We'll continue working closely with government and transport bodies to determine detours for all vehicles, including heavy vehicles, during construction.

More information about detours will be available in 2025.

We're also building a new walking and bike path along Webster Street under the rail line, connecting residents to local shops and services in Dandenong's CBD.

Shaping the designs

During consultation, this is what we heard from you.

Reducing congestion

You told us that you want a design to improve traffic conditions and make journeys easier. The new road underpass will provide a new east-west connection, moving trucks and heavy vehicles off local roads and away from the heart of Dandenong’s CBD.

Vehicles travelling through the new road underpass will be able to turn left and right at a new signalised intersection at Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street.

Trees, vegetation and green spaces

We heard that you want to see trees and greenery planted, with a preference for native and indigenous species.

The designs include new landscaped areas with a diverse range of native and indigenous trees, shrubs and flowering plants to complement the existing landscaping and geology of the area.

Better walking and bike connections

You told us that you want to see better connections for pedestrians and bike riders. Before the Webster Street level crossing is closed in 2025, we'll build a new shared path along Webster Street under the rail line.

Vibrant design

We heard that you want a design that stands out as a feature in the area, with bright and vibrant colours. The new road underpass walls reflect the colours of Dandenong and the Little India Cultural Precinct.

You can read more about what we heard in the consultation report on our website.

Get involved to learn more

Join our information session to hear from the project team, ask questions and find out more about the final designs.

See us in person

• When: Thursday 23 January, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Where: Dandenong Community and Learning Centre, 34 King Street, Dandenong

Online via Zoom

• When: Tuesday 21 January, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
• Where: Online via Zoom, register to receive the meeting link

Bookings are required. Visit our Events page to register for our information sessions.

Project timeline

2018

• Level crossing removal project announced

2022 to late 2023

• Site investigations, traffic surveys and planning works

November 2023

• Concept designs released
• Community consultation
• Site investigations continue

Late 2024

• Final designs released
• Early works

2025

• Construction starts
• Boom gates gone for good

2026 to 2028

• Construction

2028

• New road underpass opens

* Timeline subject to change.

Stay up to date

Be the first to know about Webster Street project updates by signing up for regular email updates.

You can also receive important updates directly to your mobile phone by signing up for text alerts. Simply SMS WEBSTER to 0427 840 967.

Check out the concept designs and find out more about the project by visiting the Webster Street project page.