Cave Hill Road underpass open by early October

The new underpass at Cave Hill Road will open by early October, providing locals with a safer connection across the rail line to Lilydale High School and nearby homes and businesses.

The fully accessible 5m wide underpass can be accessed via stairs and a ramp and will link to future pedestrian and cycling paths in the area.

During our recent 6 week winter construction blitz we:

• built the underpass foundations
• began construction of the stairs and ramp
• excavated more than 7,000 cubic metres of material from under the rail line
• installed the precast concrete box that serves as the frame for the underpass.

Landscaping and construction of the new turning circle outside Lilydale High School is now underway and when complete, will allow for safer vehicle movements near the school and local businesses.

Work is continuing on the new underpass until it opens by early October.

The Lilydale Line is the first rail line in Melbourne to be level crossing free – a year ahead of schedule – following the closure of the Cave Hill Road level crossing earlier this year and the recent removal of the final 2 level crossings at Coolstore Road, Croydon and Dublin Road, Ringwood East.

Why this level crossing needed to go

• More than 100 trains passed through the level crossing every weekday
• Removal of this level crossing improves safety and allows more trains, more often on the Lilydale Line
• The removal of this level crossing helped make the Lilydale Line level crossing free in 2024, a year ahead of schedule

A safer, brighter underpass

The new underpass façade will feature vibrant colours and geometric patterns, highlighting the ramp and stairs.

The colours and patterns act as natural wayfinding, directing people through the underpass and providing a bright and striking entry and exit.

Landscaping around the underpass includes more than 90 trees, shrubs and plants, complementing the existing green and leafy environment.

The planting design incorporates Australian native species and trees including red-flowering ironbark, blackwood, illawarra flame and fire wheel, increasing biodiversity in the area.

Nest boxes for Lilydale locals

To support local fauna in Lilydale, we’re installing nest boxes in a number of trees on the grounds at Lilydale High School.

The nest boxes mimic natural hollows often found in older trees, providing a cosy home for local wildlife and a safe environment to raise their offspring. Nest boxes serve as protection from predators and are installed well above ground level to keep their inhabitants safe.

Progress in Pictures

How to get around

While works continue on the new underpass before it opens by early October, the pedestrian crossing at Cave Hill Road will remain closed.

Pedestrians can cross the rail line at John Street to access Lilydale High School and Hutchinson Street/ Melba Avenue.

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.

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

July 2024

• Lilydale Line level crossing free

October 2024

• New pedestrian underpass opens

*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