Updated designs released for Newport level crossing removal

We’re removing the level crossings at Maddox Road and Champion Road in Newport. Updated project designs have now been released.

The Maddox Road level crossing will be removed by building passenger and freight rail bridges over the road. The rail bridges will start to rise near Blenheim Road and return to ground near Challis Street.

We’ll close Champion Road at the level crossing. A new link road, connecting Maddox Road to Champion Road via Akuna Drive, will open before the Champion Road level crossing is closed in 2026.

To keep the community connected we’ll also build a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the rail line at Champion Road.

New project features

In response to community feedback, we’re delivering a range of new project features. These include new architectural treatments on the rail bridges over Maddox Road, more trees and greenery for the local area and new places and connections for the community to enjoy.

Project updates

• Architecturally designed panels on the rail bridges and retaining walls with colour and decorative patterns and shapes
• Planting 145 large trees and 30,000 plants, shrubs and grasses
• A new pedestrian path linking Park Crescent and Akuna Drive
• New recreational space

Why these level crossings need to go

• Up to 48 trains pass through the level crossings during the morning peak
• Boom gates down for around 50 minutes of the morning peak
• Improved safety for drivers, bike riders and pedestrians

Brighter bridges, greener spaces and stronger local connections

In response to your feedback, we’ve updated the designs with new architectural treatments on the rail bridges and retaining walls, more trees and greenery and new local connections and recreational space for the community to enjoy.

Visually enhancing the rail bridges

We’re adding vibrant new architecturally designed panels on the rail bridges to reflect the community’s request to improve the look and feel of the local area. A touch of colour will also be added to concrete retaining walls. Both designs will include decorative patterns and shapes, bringing new life to the space.

Adding more greenery

We know that trees and vegetation are important to you. So, we’re increasing the number of large trees we will plant from 90 to 145. This, combined with our commitment to plant 30,000 plants, shrubs and grasses, will increase the tree canopy and contribute to greening the local area.

Improving accessibility

A new pedestrian path has been added in Quarry Reserve next to the Williamstown Horse and Pony Club. This new path will make it easier and safer for locals, workers and visitors parking on Park Crescent to access nearby businesses on Akuna Drive.

We will also be working with Hobsons Bay City Council (HBCC) to investigate additional cycling connections in the area, such as a new shared use path at Rosshire Road.

Maddox Road safety improvements

We are working with local council to ensure that any upgrades on Maddox Road complement the project and keep traffic flowing safely.

More spaces for the community to enjoy

We've identified 2 locations for new recreational space – Market Street and within AJ Fine reserve at 122 Champion Road. We want your feedback on these locations and how to make best use of the space.

The new recreational space will provide a welcoming space where locals can connect, relax and feel a sense of belonging within the community.

New recreational space

We've identified 2 locations for new recreational space – Market Street and within AJ Fine Reserve. The new recreational space will provide a welcoming area where locals can connect, relax and feel a sense of belonging within the community. We want your feedback on these locations and how to make best use of the space. Visit Engage Victoria to complete the survey.

Market Street

A tree lined street, this location will allow for seating, grassed areas or nature play.

AJ Fine Reserve

Located within a 5 minute walk from the project area and the Champion Road activity hub, the reserve is ideally located to become a new pocket park. Options for inclusion could include a space with grassed areas, nature play or picnic tables.

Early works are underway

A project of this size and scale involves months of planning. We carefully schedule works to ensure efficient use of large machinery and minimise disruption during construction.

Early works for the project have begun and activities in the lead up to major construction will include:

• setting up site offices and facilities
• fencing off work areas to keep the community and our workforce safe
• relocating utility services and undertaking drainage works in preparation for the new rail infrastructure
• removing trees and vegetation that will be impacted by the project
• starting works for the combined services route, which houses the wiring that powers and controls signals, internal rail network telecommunications and power supplies to trains and other parts of the rail network
• relocating power lines and underground telecom lines, where required.

Residents and businesses in the local area will receive more details ahead of any works.

Setting up site facilities

To prepare for construction, we are setting up site facilities for our project team, including temporary site offices. During this time, you will see an increase in construction workers and vehicles in the area.

These sites will primarily be used during normal daytime construction hours: Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm and Saturday between 7am and 3pm, with some out of hours works required at times.

When required we'll also work on weekends or at night for major construction. We'll give residents plenty of notice.

We’ll keep local residents and traders informed about ongoing works taking place in the area.

Thanks for having your say

Through November and December 2024, we asked you to help us shape aspects of the design for the new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the rail line at Champion Road.

We received 115 online submissions with the most popular themes for the bridge resting points being the unique natural environment that can be seen along the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail closely followed by Newport’s industrial heritage.

We also heard that:

• it is important to you to have safe walking and cycling connections
• having more accessible paths will encourage you to walk and cycle through your local area.

Your feedback will contribute towards the final designs for the pedestrian and cycling bridge.

You can find out more about what we heard from the community in our consultation reports.

Have your say and help shape Newport’s newest recreational area

You told us that new outdoor spaces are important for the community.

In response to your feedback, we've identified 2 locations for new recreational spaces: Market Street and within AJ Fine Reserve.

Give us your feedback on the potential recreational space locations and what features you would like to see.

Your ideas will help us create new recreational space, whether it’s activity areas, seating options, playground equipment, or something else.

Complete the survey

Visit Engage Victoria to complete the survey and together we’ll create a community space for everyone to enjoy.

Stay up to date

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

• Sign up to email updates
• Register for SMS updates by texting NEWPORT to 0429 839 892
• Call us on 1800 105 105
• Email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au