The Victorian Government is getting rid of the dangerous and congested level crossing at Yarraville, helping to make the Werribee Line boom gate-free.

We're getting rid of five level crossings in Melbourne's inner west - in Newport, Altona, Spotswood and Yarraville - boosting safety and easing congestion. We will close the dangerous and congested level crossing at Anderson Street and maintain pedestrian and cyclist access via a new architect-designed pedestrian underpass.

Closing this level crossing will significantly improve safety in the area. Getting rid of the level crossing also provides opportunities to enhance the vibrant Yarraville Village, making the shopping precinct quicker, safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around, with no more waiting at the boom gates.

Underpass to connect to the village

We’ll build a new pedestrian and cycling underpass as part of the Anderson Street level crossing removal project.

Why this is the best solution for Yarraville

Each level crossing has its own set of characteristics to consider when preparing to remove it, including technical, environmental and community factors.

Designs for all level crossings are assessed and developed by teams of technical experts including engineers and construction specialists.

Due to a unique set of design challenges including a narrow road and rail corridor and densely developed area, closing the Anderson Street level crossing to vehicles and providing a pedestrian underpass is the best solution for this location. This will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to get around, while drivers can use safer, boom gate-free alternative routes.

We’ll work closely with local traders, residents, Maribyrnong City Council and the broader community to understand key local insights as we begin design development.

Accessing Yarraville Village

By car

People visiting the Village by car from the west will be able to use nearby Somerville Road and Francis Street to cross the rail line.

Alternatively, people will be able to access the Village using the new pedestrian underpass or from parking areas on Anderson Street, Canterbury Street and Woods Street.

Walking and cycling

As part of the project, walking and cycling paths will be improved around the station precinct and to the Yarraville Village.

We'll build a new pedestrian underpass to help people cross under the rail line and get to where they need to go safely, with no more long waits at the boom gates.

The underpass will be accessible to all, with our subject matter experts starting to look at the most suitable designs. Your feedback will support this process.

Project benefits

• Improved safety – closing the crossing will make it significantly safer for locals
• Better walking and cycling access – around the station precinct to the Yarraville Village
• Unlocking opportunities – with the traffic congestion removed from the shopping precinct, there is an opportunity to rejuvenate the area around the station, including with landscaping, and new community space.

Examples of underpass solutions and urban design at other level crossing removals

Each one is different, as every area is unique.

How we engage with the community

Community consultation

We start by talking to the community about how you move around the area, how often you use the station and what you'd like to see incorporated into the new community space.

Planning approvals

We will seek community feedback on a range of planning matters.

Concept designs

We’ll release project concept designs and ask for your feedback.

Final designs

We’ll show you the final project designs and let you know what to expect during construction.

Construction

Throughout construction, we work with residents, local traders and key stakeholders including Maribyrnong City Council to help manage any disruption caused by our works.

Have your say

As we develop our designs, we want to hear what locals love about Yarraville, how you move around the area and your preferences for new community space.

Visit Engage Victoria to take the Anderson Street survey. Closes 11.59pm Sunday 30 November.

Your feedback will help shape the early concept designs, alongside technical and engineering requirements.

What do you value about the local area?

Is it the proximity to public transport, or local flora and fauna? Tell us how this should be reflected in the design for the project.

How do you move around the local area?

Do you walk, cycle or drive?

Local traders, we want to hear from you

We're committed to working with local businesses during the closure of this level crossing. Tell us about your business in the local area.

Project timeline

Mid 2022

• Project announced

Late 2025

• Phase 1 community consultation
• Early planning and investigation

2026

• Planning consultation
• Concept designs released with further consultation
• Contract award

2027

• Final designs released
• Early works

2028

• Major construction

2029

• Anderson Street level crossing closed

Next steps for Yarraville

Along with site inspections and technical investigations, we’ll use your feedback to progress the design for the project. There will be further opportunities to learn more and provide feedback as the project progresses. This will include seeking input for planning approvals and further consultation on the concept designs in 2026.

We’ll be holding community information sessions over the next month, you must register to attend.

Stay up to date

The best way to stay up to date with the project is it:

• Read more about the project via the Yarraville Level Crossing Removal Project
• To have your say and ask questions visit Engage Victoria 
• Subscribe to email updates and under the Werribee Line select Yarraville
• Call us on 1800 105 105 or email levelcrossings@bigbuild.vic.gov.au
• For languages other than English call 9209 0147
• Follow us on social media or send us a private message on our Facebook page