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.

Webster Street will be closed at the level crossing later this year and the new road underpass will open in 2026, 2 years ahead of schedule.

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

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.

We're setting up our site facilities and installing fencing ahead of construction starting later this year.

We've also undertaken careful planning to reduce impacts on local flora and fauna before beginning construction.

To safely close the level crossing and undertake project works, some vegetation removal is required for:

• construction of the new road underpass and new intersections
• construction of the new walking and cycling path
• rail and road infrastructure
• drainage and underground services
• construction works where tree root zones are impacted.

Vegetation removal will start in February.

We'll plant 2 trees for every tree we remove.

Assessing trees and vegetation

As part of our planning, independent arborists and environmental experts have conducted comprehensive assessments of every tree and all vegetation within the project area.

We've worked closely with these experts to understand potential impacts from the project's design and construction.

With their advice, we've developed designs and construction methods that retain as many trees and shrubs as possible.

Most of the impacted trees are in and around where the new road underpass will be located.

As the project progresses, we’ll continue reviewing our design and construction methods and assess the health of the trees during our works to retain as many as possible.

Any trees and shrubs that can be safely retained will be protected during construction.

Protected species

There are 2 species of tree within our project area that are of conservation significance, the Fragrant Saltbush and Black Wattle.

While these trees are growing within the wider project area, they are outside the construction zone, and we do not expect there to be any impacts to them.

Looking out for wildlife

Before tree and vegetation removal, we work with fauna handlers who inspect trees and vegetation, and safely rehome any fauna we may encounter.

These fauna handlers are also on site during any vegetation removal works to safely relocate any wildlife we may encounter unexpectedly. We also keep fauna handlers on-call in case we encounter any wildlife during our works.

Landscaping

During consultation, we heard that you want to see trees and greenery planted, preferring 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.

More information about the project’s landscaping plans will be released as construction progresses.

Repurposing trees for the community

We'll work with local community groups and organisations to find opportunities to use the vegetation we remove for local initiatives and projects. Some of the options we'll explore include:

• donating logs to community groups, gardens, schools, and artists
• creating mulch for landscaping and revegetation
• incorporating reclaimed timber into landscaping.

Keep in touch

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 0428 581 917.

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