Fitzgerald Road and Robinsons Road community update – October 2022

18 October 2022

Two more gone in the west

Two more dangerous and congested level crossings have been removed months ahead of schedule, reducing congestion, improving safety and allowing more trains to run on the Geelong and Ballarat lines.

We removed the dangerous and congested level crossing at Robinsons Road in Deer Park last month with a new road underpass beneath the rail line, improving safety for thousands of drivers each day.

The new underpass is already delivering reduced travel times and easier access to services on either side of the rail line.

In July, we also removed the level crossing at Fitzgerald Road in Ardeer, 6 months ahead of schedule, with a new road bridge over the rail line.

New walking and cycling paths have created better local connections and we're planting more than 250,000 trees, shrubs and grasses in the area.

We're also removing the level crossing at Mt Derrimut Road by elevating the rail line over the road and building a new Deer Park Station and bus interchange by 2024.

The Geelong and Ballarat lines will be level crossing free between Deer Park and the city by 2024.

Why we removed them

Reduced congestion and improved travel times for 53,000 vehicles each day
Enables more trains to run more often
Boom gates were down for up to 45% of the morning peak with 37 trains through the level crossings
Improved safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

Fitzgerald Road

Thanks for your patience while we removed the dangerous and congested level crossing at Fitzgerald Road by building a road bridge over the rail line.

Works began in 2021 and were completed in July 2022, 6 months ahead of schedule.

We connected Fitzgerald Road to Forrest Street with a new road bridge, reducing travel times and improving local connections.

The new section of Western Ring Road shared use path is now open, creating better walking and cycling connections in the west.

We'll finish planting more than 150,000 trees, shrubs and grasses by the end of the year.

Here's what it took to remove the Fitzgerald Road level crossing:

21 bridge piles
900m new shared use path
14 x 61 tonne bridge beams
113 concrete barriers
324 retaining walls

Sunrise on the new Fitzgerald Road bridge

Vehicles use the new Fitzgerald Road bridge for the first time

Western Building Blocks a hit

The next generation of engineers, designers and construction workers had a go at building their own level crossing removals at the Western Building Blocks workshop.

Over 300 parents and children attended the workshops over the July 2022 school holidays.

Kids used large scale building blocks to create their own road bridge and underpass, replicating projects at Robinsons and Fitzgerald roads.

The free interactive sessions helped locals learn more about what goes on behind the scenes on projects in their neighbourhood.

Local parents who accompanied kids said the events were a hit and a great activity to run over the school holiday period.

All hands were on decks to help build the underpass

Concentration is required when using a crane

In our environment section kids got to plant rye grass seeds in their own planter

Lots of lifting and moving to help remove the level crossings

Our excavator shows kids how we move dirt when building our projects

Our large scale building blocks bring fun and interactivity

Our new friends got to learn how we remove level crossings

Staff were on hand to show kids how to build their own truck

The Western Building Blocks program showed kids how we are removing the level crossings at Fitzgerald Road, Robinsons Road and Mt Derrimut Road out west

There was lots of teamwork on hand to get the job done.jpgThere was lots of teamwork on hand to get the job done — There was lots of teamwork on hand to get the job done

Artist brings Wurundjeri culture to Fitzgerald Road bridge

Fiona Clarke, a Kirrae Whurrong artist designed the screens along the new Fitzgerald Road bridge and shared use path using symbols important to Wurundjeri culture.

Across Fitzgerald Road, the screens reflect Kulin Nation shields (drunmung) for the safety and protection of road users. Other symbols include clap sticks – traditional ceremonial instruments, emu feathers and eels.

The pattern on the retaining walls near Forrest Street was inspired by stone artefacts found along the banks of Kororoit Creek and in the local area.

An artist for over 30 years, Fiona Clarke depicts her Aboriginal culture through tapestry, painting and public art. The designs were developed in consultation with Wurundjeri Elders.

Robinsons Road

Thanks for your patience Deer Park while we removed the Robinsons Road level crossing by building a road underpass under the rail line.

Major works began in early 2021 and the level crossing was gone for good months ahead of the 2023 commitment.

During a 10-day closure of Robinsons Road in September, crews worked around the clock to open the new road underpass to traffic.

We'll continue works over the coming months to finish the new road alignment, shared use path and plant more than 100,000 trees and shrubs in the area.

Here's what it took to remove the Robinsons Road level crossing:

Excavated around
60,000m3 of soil and rock
2.3km of new kerbing
143 concrete barriers
118 piles
324 retaining walls

First cars on the new Robinsons Road underpass

New Robinsons Road underpass improves local connections

New Robinsons Road underpass open 12 September

Robinsons Road level crossing gone for good

Works continue on the new Robinsons Road underpass to complete landscaping and the new shared use path

Works continue to complete the new Robinsons Road shared use path and landscaping

Major works underway at Mt Derrimut Road

We’re removing the level crossing at Mt Derrimut Road by elevating the rail line over the road to reduce congestion.

We’re also building a new Deer Park Station, creating a safer, better connected Deer Park.

Major construction is underway on the new rail bridge's retaining walls, with piling works continuing and station foundations taking shape.

A new temporary commuter car park is available close to the station while we work.

By 2024, trains will be running on the new rail bridge over Mt Derrimut Road, improving connections for pedestrians, cyclists and the 23,000 vehicles that pass through the crossing each day.

Upcoming disruptions

Rail

Coaches will replace Geelong and Ballarat line trains for all or part of the journey from Friday night 9 December to last service Sunday 11 December to remove rail infrastructure at Fitzgerald and Robinsons roads.
Visit the V/Line website to plan ahead

Parking

The Deer Park Station northern car park will be fully closed until late 2023. Replacement car parking is available nearby.

Road

Robinsons Road will be closed between Hatchlands Drive and Waigani Avenue overnight at times until the end of the year to finish the new Robinsons Road underpass.
Detours and signage will be in place.

View the interactive map for information about upcoming disruptions.

Western Community Fun Day

Thanks for coming along to our Western Community Fun Day in October.

We brought the community together to celebrate the completion of major works at Fitzgerald and Robinsons roads and to say thanks for your patience during works.

The free community event at Nancy Street Reserve featured food and coffee from local traders, face paining, children's activities and a walking tour of the new shared use path along Fitzgerald Road.