We’re getting on with the job of removing the level crossings at Dublin Road, Ringwood East and Bedford Road, Ringwood which will make Ringwood level crossing free.

The two dangerous and congested level crossings will be removed by building rail trenches under the road, and we’ll build a brand-new Ringwood East Station with around 460 upgraded car parking spaces.

Construction will start in early 2023 with the boom gates gone for good in 2025.

In preparation for major construction works, crews will need to set up construction sites and facilities at Dublin Road and Bedford Road to ensure it is a safe working environment for staff and the community.

This fact sheet provides more information about what to expect during site establishment.

In 2025 the Lilydale Line will be boom gate free and the Belgrave Line will have no boom gates between Ferntree Gully and the City.

Site locations

To support our works, we’ll use a combination of nearby rail land, road reserves, vacant commercial and industrial land to provide critical storage space, temporary commuter parking, workforce parking and staff offices.

Ringwood East Station car park

Works will start in the gravel areas currently used informally for parking and progressively extend to other areas of the station while we work to build the rail trench and new station.

Sections of land along the rail corridor near Ringwood East Station and Bedford Road level crossing

We’ll be using sections of land along the rail corridor for laydown, workforce facilities, access and haulage routes.

Bedford Park

A small eastern section of Bedford Park will provide a suitable area for storage space and workforce facilities. As part of the project, we’ll deliver extensive new native and indigenous landscaping at Bedford Park, along with a new shared use path to connect to the existing Heathmont Rail Trail.

Mount Dandenong Road, Ringwood East

A vacant commercial building at East Ringwood Reserve will be used as a site office for the Ringwood Level Crossing Removal Project. Public access to the reserve will be maintained throughout the project.

Existing car park near Ringwood Station

A commercial car park on Pratt Street, within a 500 metre walking distance of Ringwood Station will be used to temporarily offset rail commuter parking at Ringwood East Station.

How we’ll set up our sites

We will do the following to establish our sites:

• Build driveways to provide access to site
• Deliver and set up of site sheds and facilities
• Connect utilities to the site
• Build storage and parking areas
• Clear the site, including any required vegetation removal
• Deliver construction materials and equipment

What to expect

• More vehicle and truck movements in the area
• Construction workers, vehicles and machinery on site
• Traffic management at times and some minor delays
• Ringwood East Station commuter car park closed progressively, starting with the informal gravel areas
• Some construction noise and dust, as well as increased lighting.

All construction activities are carefully planned and monitored, and we aim to minimise temporary construction impacts to residents, traders and the community where we can.

We’ll inform the community of upcoming work activities and disruptions in advance through regular work notices, door knocks, signage and digital channels.

We’ll also ensure that local schools, community centres and traders are informed of expected impacts and that their access is maintained.

Vegetation removal

To build the rail trenches, station, car parks and associated infrastructure, we'll need to remove some trees and vegetation. Much of the impacts will be in and around the existing railway corridor and we'll work hard to retain as many existing trees as we can.

We'll start these works as part of establishing our construction sites.

We understand that trees are important to the community, and we’ll plant around 60,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses as part of our landscaping works.

Workforce parking

You’ll notice more workers and workforce vehicles in and around the local area from early next year.

Workers will be directed away from parking within trader parking areas or timed parking areas.

Workers will be encouraged to use all day on-street parking in addition to designated parking areas close to our work sites.

Keep up to date

The best way to stay up to date with the project is to register for email updates.

• Receive SMS alerts with disruption updates by texting RINGWOOD to 0428 387 902
• Call us 24/7 on 1800 105 105
• Email us via contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au