19 June 2023
A train passing through the level crossing at Old Calder Highway, Diggers Rest.
We want to hear from you
The Victorian Government is committed to removing every level crossing on the Sunbury Line in 2025, creating more benefits for local communities and a better transport network for all Victorians.
The level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest are being fast-tracked for removal in 2025 - one year earlier than planned.
Removing these crossings will improve safety, allow more trains more often and prepare the area for future development.
Engineering assessments have determined that the best way to remove the level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road is by building road bridges. Further design work, engineering assessments and community consultation will continue on these projects.
With no level crossings on the Sunbury Line, journeys will be faster and more reliable with safer local roads. When the Metro Tunnel is finished, trains will be able to get from Sunbury to Pakenham and Cranbourne without a single boom gate going down.
Construction is scheduled to start in 2024 and the level crossings will be gone in 2025.
Community consultation is now underway. We're inviting you to come talk to the project team or share your feedback online.
Why do these level crossings need to go?
- About 6,300 vehicles travel through these crossings each day
- Boom gates are down for up to 36 minutes of the morning peak (7am to 9am)
- Up to 27 trains travel through these crossings during the morning peak (7am to 9am)
Community members engaging with the project team at a community event.
Share your local knowledge
Community consultation is underway to help us achieve the best outcome for your community.
We want to know what you value about the local area and how you move around it.
We’re seeking your feedback through a survey on:
- your vision and values for the area
- how you move around the area.
Share your feedback by visiting the Engage Victoria website.
Your feedback will help us develop the designs for the project, which will be available later this year. All feedback must be received by 11.59pm 16 July 2023.
Visit our online engagement hub
Share your feedback, ask a question about the project, share what you love about the area or find out about upcoming community consultation sessions at our online engagement hub. Head to the Engage Victoria website to visit the hub.
If you would prefer to fill in a hard copy of the survey, please contact us on 1800 105 105 and we will mail a form to you.
Attend a community information session
We're hosting community consultation sessions both online and in person in your local area. Come along to share your local knowledge with the team.
In person sessions at the Diggers Rest Preschool (48-68 Plumpton Rd, Diggers Rest)
- Saturday 1 July, 2023, 10am-12pm
- Tuesday 4 July, 2023, 10am-12pm
Registration is essential. These in-person sessions will be held in a drop-in style, where you can come anytime from 10am to 12pm and stay for as long as you would like.
Online session hosted via Zoom
- Thursday 6 July, 2023, 6.30-8pm
Registration is required. Please visit our online engagement hub for more information, and to register your attendance.
Map of the approximate project area at the level crossing at Old Calder Highway, Diggers Rest.
How do we determine the design for a level crossing removal solution?
Design solutions for level crossing removals consider each area's unique set of characteristics, capabilities and limitations. We undertake technical investigations and detailed design work while considering environmental and community factors to develop the best solution for the area. Designs for the Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road level crossing removals will be available later this year.
A train passing through the level crossing at Watsons Road, Diggers Rest.
Next steps
Along with results from further site investigations, surveys of the area and technical assessments, we'll use your feedback to help inform the designs for both removals.
Later this year, our team will be back in the community to share the concept designs and ask for your feedback on certain design elements. We'll also invite you to lodge a submission as part of the planning process under Clause 52.03 on a range of planning matters.
A level crossing free Sunbury Line
Fast-tracking the removals at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest will make the Sunbury Line level crossing free when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.
We've already removed four level crossings:
And there are two more removals underway:
- Calder Park Drive, Calder Park (gone by 2025)
- Holden Road, Calder Park (gone by 2025)
Project timeline
Late 2022 - early 2023
- Site investigations and planning works
June - July 2023
- Site investigations continue
- Community consultation
Mid to late 2023
- Concept designs released
- Further community consultation
Late 2023
- Final designs released
- Further community engagement
2024
- Construction begins
2026
- Level crossings removed
*Timeline subject to change.
Stay up to date
Be the first to know about the Diggers Rest level crossing removals by signing up for regular email updates.
Sign up for SMS updates by texting DIGGERS to 0427 840 967.
If you'd like to talk to us about the project, call 1800 105 105 or send an email to contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
For more information about the project, visit the project homepage.