Construction underway in Dandenong

To prepare for more trains, more often once the Metro Tunnel opens later this year, we’re closing Webster Street at the level crossing and building a new road under the rail line. The new underpass will connect Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads.

Construction is underway to remove the Webster Street level crossing and to build the new road underpass, making Dandenong and the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines boom gate free by the end of this year.

We're also building a new walking and cycling path under the Dandenong Creek rail bridge, connecting to the Dandenong Creek Trail and providing safer pedestrian and cycling connections.

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

We’re continuing piling for the new road underpass and rail bridge, undertaking overhead wiring and signalling works in the rail corridor and building the new walking and cycling path along Webster Street.

To allow us to safely complete works in the rail corridor, buses will replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines from 8.30pm, Friday 1 August to last service, Wednesday 13 August.

Webster Street will close at the level crossing this spring and the new road underpass will open in 2026, 2 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

On the ground in Dandenong

Setting up site and first piles

We’ve been preparing for construction by relocating utilities, setting up site facilities for our crews and materials and completing the first piles on Thomas Street to form the foundations of new road underpass and rail bridge.

In April a 95-tonne piling rig dug the first piles on Thomas Street that will support the new road underpass and rail bridge. These piles were completed first to allow crews to safely relocate part of a major gas pipeline later this year. This pipeline is 750mm wide and forms part of a 36km long line that connects Dandenong to the Docklands.

In May we completed electricity works on Thomas Street and Lonsdale Street-Service Road and removed structures on Lonsdale Street-Service Road at the site of the new road underpass.

In June we set up more site facilities at Broadlands Street and the corner of Webster Street and Bryants Road and continued the relocation of utilities.

How we'll build the new underpass

Before construction of the new road underpass can begin east of the rail line, we’re relocating important utilities around Thomas Street and Lonsdale Street-Service Road including sewer, electricity and a major gas pipeline that the services Melbourne’s south-east.

Due to the gas pipeline’s importance to Melbourne’s gas supply network, relocating it will take several months and can only be done in the warmer months when demand is lower.

Relocation of one of Melbourne's major gas pipelines will start later this year and we’ll share more information about these works in the coming months.

While we complete these works, we’ll start excavation for the new road underpass west of the rail line.

Road underpass excavations will start east of the rail line after utility relocations are complete next year.

Early planting

Fifteen new trees have been planted in Woodcock Reserve as part of the project, boosting the suburb’s tree canopy and biodiversity. The 15 native trees range from 1.2m to 1.5m tall and will grow up to 25m.

In response to community feedback for native and indigenous planting, the native tree species planted were Smooth-barked Apple Gum (Angophora costata), which were selected to complement the existing landscaping and geology of the area.

As part of the project, we’ll plant 2 trees for every one removed, with the remaining planting taking place when construction is complete in 2026.

We’ll plant 30,000 native trees, shrubs and flowering plants.

Your new walking and cycling path

We’ve started construction of the new walking and cycling path along Webster Street in Woodcock Reserve. The new path will run along the south side of Dandenong Creek, under the rail line, linking with the Dandenong Creek Trail and connecting residents to local shops and services in Dandenong’s CBD.

As works continue, there will be temporary lane closures and pedestrian detours in place on Webster Street until the path is complete later this year.

Dandenong’s open for business

Beletti Restaurant Café Bar

A Dandenong favourite where family, flavour and heart come together.

Located at 159-161 Lonsdale Street in Dandenong, Beletti Restaurant has been operating since 2009. For owners Robert and Vera Moretti, it’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a lifelong passion brought to life.

Beletti is proudly family-run, and that spirit flows through everything they do – from the way they greet regulars by name to the care that goes into every dish. Whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee, meeting friends for lunch, or celebrating a special occasion, Beletti offers a modern Italian menu served with genuine heart.

With over 35 years of experience in hospitality, Robert brings a depth of knowledge and hands-on expertise and Vera, having grown up immersed in the world of food and service, lives and breathes hospitality. Together, they’ve created a space that’s warm, welcoming and deeply rooted in community.

Dandenong’s rich cultural mix, the incredible food scene and the strong sense of community brings people together. At Beletti, they’re proud to be part of Dandenong’s story, serving a community that values good food, warm hospitality, and authentic connection.

Beletti in 5 words? Warm. Welcoming. Modern. Fresh. Local.

Step inside and see for yourself – at Beletti, you’re not just a customer. You’re part of the family.

You can find out more on their website, or by following them on Facebook and Instagram.

Changes to the way you travel

Making Dandenong boom gate free this year

Webster Street will close at the level crossing this spring, making Dandenong and the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines boom gate free.

With Webster Street closed at the level crossing, there will be changes to the way you travel.

For people travelling around Webster Street, the most direct route will be via Hammond Road, Dandenong Bypass, Frankston-Dandenong Road, Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street, Foster Street and Cheltenham Road.

The alternative route will be via Hammond Road, Cheltenham Road, George Street, Walker Street and Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street.

There will also be a route for high vehicles.

The new road underpass will improve safety, reduce congestion and create a more reliable road network in Dandenong, rerouting traffic away from the CBD and keeping heavy vehicles off Webster Street.

We’ll share more information about changes to the way you travel in the coming months.

The most direct route has been carefully planned using arterial roads and signalised intersections to prioritise safety and journey time and minimise congestion. For the safety of pedestrians and other road users, avoid using residential streets where possible when travelling through the area.

24/7 works in August

To allow crews to safely complete works in the rail corridor, buses will replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines from 8.30pm, Friday 1 August to last service, Wednesday 13 August.

To stay up to date with disruptions visit the PTV website.

Project timeline

2019

• 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
• Walking and cycling path under the rail line opens
• Boom gates gone for good
• Webster Street closed at the level crossing 2026
• Construction
• New road underpass opens
• Landscaping

* Timeline subject to change.

Stay up to date

• Sign up for email updates.
• SMS WEBSTER to 0428 581 917
• Visit the Webster Street project page
• Email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105 24/7