The Victorian Government is removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Progress Street, Dandenong South. This level crossing has been fast tracked for removal, and is one of 22 to be removed on the Pakenham Line making it boom gate free by 2025.

We're removing the level crossing and building a new road bridge connecting Progress Street to Fowler Road.

The new road bridge will provide businesses in this busy industrial precinct with safer access to the Princes Highway via South Gippsland Highway. The Fowler Road and South Gippsland Highway intersection will also be upgraded and signalised to improve traffic flow and ease congestion.

We will also build a new pedestrian path across the bridge to provide better local connections for workers and customers.

Building a new connection to the South Gippsland Highway means the nearby level crossing at Progress Street can be closed, improving safety and reducing impacts on the transport freight industry.

Creating a level crossing-free Pakenham Line will change how locals live, work and travel. With no level crossings on the train line, journeys will be faster and local roads safer.

We’re now seeking community vision and values for the area, as well as feedback to inform the planning approval process.

Why the level crossing needs to go

• 5200 vehicles pass through the level crossing each day
• Boom gates down for 21% of the morning peak
• 24 trains through the level crossing during the morning peak
• 5 near misses from 2012 to 2020

Changes to local roads

We'll need to change some local connections to build the new road bridge.

Access across the rail line at Progress Street will be closed permanently.

Progress Street south of the existing level crossing will instead link directly to Fowler Road via the new road bridge over Eumemmerring Creek.

Drivers will still be able to access Princes Highway by a newly upgraded and signalised intersection to South Gippsland Highway. This 1km detour will take approximately 4 minutes for drivers.

Construction on the new road bridge will start in 2023 but access across the Pakenham Line through Progress Street won’t change until at least late 2023.

We’re working closely with the local council and key stakeholders to ensure any changes and disruptions to local traffic are minimised.

Removing this level crossing is critical to improving traffic flow and ease congestion in one of Melbourne’s busiest manufacturing regions.

Road access changes at Progress Street, Dandenong South

We want to hear from you

Help us achieve the best outcome for the Progress Street level crossing removal by sharing your feedback.

What do you value about the local area?

Is it the proximity to major roads or Eumemmerring Creek? Tell us how this should be reflected in the design for the new project.

How do you move about the local area?

Do you walk, cycle or drive? Tell us how you will use the new road bridge once it is built.

Local businesses, we want to hear from you

We're committed to working with local businesses during the removal of this level crossing. Tell us more about your business and how you operate by completing our local business survey.

If you would like a hard copy submission form sent to you, please contact us on 1800 105 105 or email us at contact@levelvrossings.vic.gov.au

Consultation is now open and submissions can be made at Engage Victoria until 11.59pm Sunday 30 October.

The proposed road bridge design means disruptions will be minimised to Eumemmerring Creek, which is an ecologically sensitive waterway.

The design means we can get rid of the level crossing sooner and be less disruptive to the businesses that use this major industrial precinct.

Planning approval survey

Planning approval for this project will proceed under Clause 52.03 – Level Crossing Removal Project of the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme.

We are seeking community input on a range of planning matters, including:

• project boundary
• construction-related impacts
• environmental impacts
• native vegetation
• heritage.

Feedback will inform the Minister for Planning’s assessment of the project.

Meet the project team

Do you have a question you’d like to ask our project team about upcoming construction or want to know more about the Progress Street Level Crossing Removal Project?

Contact us to meet the project team online and discuss any questions you may have about our works.

If you're unable to meet us online, don't worry, we can organise a phone call or email.

Book in a time

To contact us, fill in this expression of interest survey.

Email us at contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105.

Leave your details and a member of the team will get back to you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Text PROGRESS to 0447 558 118 for SMS updates about travel changes and construction works that may Impact you.

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Project timeline

Mid 2021

• Early site investigations

Late 2022

• Community consultation

Early 2023

• Early works
• Contract award

Mid 2023

• Major construction starts

2025

• Level crossing removed
• New bridge opens

Time above subject to change.