Getting ready for construction

We're removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Ruthven Street, Macleod by building a rail bridge over the road.

We're also building a new walking and cycling path along Ellesmere Parade from Ruthven Street to Davies Street. With this brand new connection, locals will be able to enjoy over 2km of off road walking and cycling paths from Macleod to Rosanna.

A new signalised and raised pedestrian crossing near the rail bridge will provide safer, more direct connections for everyone crossing Ruthven Street.

Early works are underway including utility and underground service works and upgrades to rail infrastructure within the corridor.

To prepare for construction, works will ramp up over the coming months. The boom gates will be gone for good and trains will be running on the new bridge in 2027.

Removing the level crossing will improve safety, reduce congestion and deliver more reliable travel times.

Extra Sunday train services are running on the Hurstbridge Line, with more services to come in 2027.

Why this level crossing needs to go:

• About 12,600 vehicles travel through this level crossing each day
• Boom gates are down for nearly half an hour of the morning peak (7am to 9am)
• Up to 28 trains travel through this crossing during the morning peak (7am to 9am)

New landscaping with native plantings

We're landscaping along the new walking and cycling path on Ellesmere Parade and near the rail bridge.

Across the project we’ll plant over 25,500 new trees, shrubs, flowering plants and grasses.

On Chapman Street and connecting to Rosanna Parklands, we’ll create a new landscaped space with natural log seating, native landscaping, rock borders and pathways under the bridge connecting to Ellesmere Parade and Ruthven Street.

Along the new walking and cycling path we’ll plant new trees, shrubs, flowering plants and grasses, as close as possible to where vegetation was removed.

As part of the project we’ll plant 2 new trees for every tree we remove. Thanks to everyone who shared their recent feedback on landscaping through surveys, workshops, questions on Engage Victoria and through our contact centre.

We’ll release landscaping designs. Landscaping works will begin mid 2027.

Progress in  Macleod – September works

You can read about how we'll build the new bridge in our latest fact sheet.

Works in October

Buses will replace trains on the Hurstbridge Line between Heidelberg and Greensborough stations from 8.30pm, Friday 23 October to last service, Sunday 25 October.

Works include:

• piling foundations for the new rail bridge and rail power infrastructure
• installing underground services, overhead wiring and signalling
• working on Ruthven and Chapman streets to enable site establishment at Macleod Park oval.

On the ground in Macleod and Rosanna

In June and July, we prepared for construction by fencing off the works area, undertaking piling works, relocating services and underground utilities and setting up site facilities on Ruthven Street and Somers Avenue.

While trains weren’t running in July, crews worked around the clock to install underground services and upgrade rail infrastructure in the rail corridor. Four excavators were on site during this 24/7 works blitz to prepare the foundations for the new rail bridge.

Works continued in August with crews laying concrete and crushed rock – to provide a safe, solid ground for machinery.

We’re also installing a new combined services route (CSR) under the ground along the rail corridor in Macleod and Rosanna.

All these works are crucial in preparing to build the rail bridge early next year.

Undertaking as much work as possible before we begin construction of the rail bridge minimises disruption to the community, including changes to how you travel through the area and impacts to Hurstbridge Line passengers.

Did you know?

The CSR is made up of pipes that hold the cables used for communications and power for the Hurstbridge Line.

Setting up for construction

We’ve set up our construction support area on Macleod Park oval. Using Macleod Park will:

• cause less disruption to the wider Macleod and Rosanna communities and
• passengers on the Hurstbridge Line, helping us complete works faster
• mean less trucks on local roads during construction
• reduce tree and vegetation removal and impacts to Rosanna Parklands
• provide space for workforce parking, minimising impacts to surrounding streets.

Having materials and workforce close to the rail bridge site is also more sustainable compared to having long haulage routes to get materials, machinery and workers to the site.

Upgrading local sporting facilities

We’ll upgrade the Macleod Park oval from April 2027, with new drainage and irrigation systems and laying a new natural turf AFL/cricket playing surface and cricket pitch.

We're working closely with the Macleod Junior Football Club, Macleod Cricket Club and Banyule City Council to support the clubs to train and play at other local grounds during construction.

To provide additional and improved recreation space during construction and beyond, we’re upgrading the Macleod College oval with a new natural turf AFL, soccer, and cricket playing surface and cricket pitch, new drainage and irrigation systems, new lighting and a new multi-use classroom, with bathroom and change room facilities.

In partnership with Banyule City Council, at Banyule Flats Reserve we’re building new cricket nets at the north oval, to provide additional training facilities for Macleod Cricket Club while they’re relocated.

Works are on, shops are open

McNamara Street and Aberdeen Road shops remain open for business.

With everything from delicious food and coffee to all your health and wellness needs, Macleod and Rosanna have got you covered. Thank you for supporting local businesses while we prepare to build the new rail bridge.

Stay up to date

The best way to stay up to date with the project is to:

• Visit the Ruthven Street level Crossing Removal Project page
• Subscribe to our Ruthven Street, Macleod email updates
• Follow us on social media Level Crossing Removal Project Facebook page
• Contact our call centre 24/7 on 1800 105 105 or email levelcrossings@bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Project timeline

2022

• Project announced

2024

• Site investigations

2025

• Site investigations
• Community consultation

2026

• Concept designs released and further community consultation
• Final designs released
• Site establishment and early works
• Further landscaping community consultation
• Construction starts

2027

• Construction
• Trains running on the rail bridge
• Level crossing removed
• New walking and cycling path open
• Landscaping and tree planting
• Project complete

* Timeline subject to change.