We’re removing the level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest, improving local safety, and making the Sunbury Line level crossing-free in 2025.

To safely remove the level crossing and build the new road bridge at Watsons Road, we’ll close the road at the level crossing in mid-late September 2024 and it will reopen in late 2025. We’ll confirm the closure date in the coming weeks, detours will be in place during this time, please see below for details.

From early August to mid November, we’ll undertake preparation works at the Watsons Road level crossing removal site including the establishment of offices and works areas, installation of signage and vegetation removal.

What we’re doing

We’ll work during regular construction hours from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm and on Saturdays, between 7am and 1pm to:

• Recover cultural heritage artefacts in the project area
• Install site fencing, concrete barriers and signage
• Establish site offices and work areas on both sides of the rail line, at 10 Buckley Road and 25 Watsons Road
• Establish additional work areas at 24, 30, 35 and 45 Watsons Road
• Remove some trees and vegetation near Watsons Road
• Continue underground utility and service relocations
• Build concrete bases on which to store materials and large machinery
• Construct residential and construction access roads
• Begin excavation works and preparations for the foundations of the bridge
• Undertake signalling works, install fencing and build foundations for new overhead wires in the rail corridor.

Night works

In August, we’ll undertake night works in the rail corridor to the north and south of the Watsons Road level crossing

while trains are not running. We’ll work:

• Continuously from 10pm Friday 16 August to 5am Monday 19 August
• Continuously from 10pm Friday 30 August to 5am Monday 2 September

What to expect

During these works, you may notice low levels of noise, dust and vibration. When we work at night, additional lighting will be in place and will be directed away from residential properties where possible

You may also notice construction vehicles and trucks on local roads including Watsons Road, Old Vineyard Road, Bulla-Diggers Rest Road and Crinnion Road.

We’ll make every effort to complete works on schedule, however they are weather dependent and dates are subject to change.

Changes to the way you travel

For your safety, please follow signage and traffic management in place. Please see the works area map on the final page for more information about the following travel changes.

Watsons Road near the level crossing

Intermittent and temporary lane closures until late September.

• Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times.

Watsons Road at the level crossing

Full road closure in the second half of September to late 2025.

• Detour east of level crossing via Watsons Road, Crinnion Road, Bulla-Diggers Rest Road, Calder Highway and Vineyard Road.
• Detour west of level crossing via Watsons Road, Old Vineyard Road, Vineyard Road, Calder Highway, Bulla-Diggers Rest Road and Crinnion Road. Please follow signage

Further information about this closure will be provided in early September.

Works area map

Road closure and detour map

More information

• Sign up for project updates.
• Text DIGGERS to 0427 840 967 to sign up for SMS alerts.
• If you have any questions or would like more information about the project, call us on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 24/7.