A safer, brighter underpass at Cave Hill Road

The final designs for the new Cave Hill Road underpass and surrounding area have been released.

The new underpass will open by spring, providing locals with a safer connection across the rail line to Lilydale High School, and nearby homes and businesses. It will also link to future pedestrian and cycling paths.

The new underpass features a colourful and vibrant façade, providing a bright and striking entry and exit for pedestrians and cyclists. Geometric patterns highlight the ramp and stairs, directing people through the underpass.

To safely build the new underpass, the pedestrian crossing at Cave Hill Road will close from Friday 24 May until the new underpass opens by spring. Pedestrians can cross the rail line at John Street to access Lilydale High School and Hutchinson Street/Melba Avenue.

We will continue to keep local residents, businesses and the school community informed of any disruptions with regular updates during the works.

Why this level crossing needs to go

• More than 100 trains pass through the level crossing every weekday.
• Removing this level crossing improves safety and allows more trains, more often on the Lilydale Line
• The removal of this level crossing brings the Lilydale Line one step closer to being level crossing free in 2024, a year ahead of schedule

How to get around

Drivers

Access to Lilydale High School and businesses on Melba Avenue is from Hutchinson Street. Cave Hill Road and Taylor Street is accessible from John Street.

Rail passengers

Buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines from Friday 24 May to early July.

Pedestrians

See map below for pedestrian access via Cave Hill Road, John Street and Hutchinson Street.

Project timeline

2022

• Project announcement

Late 2023

• Early works begin

Early 2024

• Major construction begins
• Permanent closure of Cave Hill Road at the level crossing

Spring 2024

• New pedestrian underpass opens
• Lilydale Line level crossing free

*Timeline subject to change

Stay up to date

• sign up to our email updates and select Cave Hill Road
• For SMS alerts text CAVE HILL to 0438 942 094
• Call us 24/7 on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au