Major works at Newport are complete!

The boom gates are gone for good at Maddox Road, with all 3 rail bridges now complete.

Newport is now level crossing free, with all trains now running on the new bridges at Maddox Road.

Over the past 6 months the project delivered a number of significant milestones to improve safety and connectivity around Newport. This includes the completion of the Akuna Drive extension, a new pedestrian and cycling bridge at Champion Road and transfer of passenger trains onto the new rail bridges at Maddox Road.

Teams will remain busy as we place the finishing touches of your new pathway network, constructing new shared use paths along Railway Parade, Market Street and along the rail line between Maddox Road and Ross Road. Landscaping will also be provided near Market Street and Champion Road.

We will also begin works to enhance the nearby AJ Fine Reserve, as we heard during consultation that outdoor spaces are important to the community.

Works are due to be complete in early 2027.

There are now more trains on the Werribee Line thanks to the Metro Tunnel. Trains are now running directly between Newport and Sandringham via Flinders Street – making it easier to travel between Melbourne’s west and bayside suburbs without changing trains.

Project benefits

• Two level crossings gone for good
• Improved safety and reduced congestion for motorists
• Creating more than 950 metres of new pedestrian and cycling paths
• Enhancing open space

The third and final rail bridge is taking trains – all aboard!

Passenger trains have been travelling over Maddox Road on the rail bridges since April, and freight trains have now been able to follow suit last month.

Our crews have been working around the clock, commissioning the final rail bridge for freight services in late August. With all trains using the new rail bridges, our teams could then remove all existing rail infrastructure and resurface Maddox Road, reopening to traffic on Friday 11 September.

With all trains now travelling over Maddox Road – train, vehicle and pedestrian interface has been completely removed, making it safer for all road users.

To learn more about the construction of the rail bridges that took place throughout the year, read our ‘How we’ll build the rail bridges’ fact sheet: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/newport-how-we-build-rail-bridges

We have removed 96 level crossings across the rail network, resulting in an 80% drop in the number of train and driver collisions since 2018 and 55 hours of boom gate down time saved every weekday morning.

Walking and cycling connections in Newport

As part of our project, we’re improving connectivity for pedestrians and bike riders with new shared use paths along the rail corridor from Ross Road to Maddox Road and paths on Railway Parade and Market Street.

Works for the path along Market Street are underway. Once complete, locals will also be able to access the pedestrian and cycling bridge at Champion Road via new stairs currently in construction. Both the path and the stair access will be ready by the end of the year.

Our team began works on Railway Parade’s shared use path in August.

Construction has also started on delivering the missing link path along the rail line from Maddox Road to Ross Road. This path provides a safe off-road connection from Newport Station all the way to Altona North.

All paths will be open for community to enjoy later this year.

Our new paths will keep the community connected and encourage active transport. Read the walking and cycling fact sheet to find out more.

Approx. 950m of new pedestrian and cycling paths will be delivered as part of our project.

Landscaping at Newport

As part of this project, we’ll plant more than 5,000 large plants, 30,000 shrubs and grasses and 230 native trees.

We are focused on providing a resilient, sustainable landscape by selecting drought-tolerant plants with low water usage and high growth performance. The species selected reflect these characteristics, being hardy enough to grow and provide shade and shelter for the community while offering local nesting opportunities and food for local wildlife.

We also have a maintenance period of two years, in which we replace any landscaping that dies in that time, supporting the trees and landscaping planted as part of the project to mature and thrive.

Species being planted include:

Trees

• Black She-oak
• Smooth-barked Apple
• Coastal Banksia
• Water Gum
• Weeping Bottlebrush
• Spotted Gum
• Yellow Gum

Plants

• Sweet Bursaria
• Crimson Bottlebrush
• Dusky Bells
• Robyn Gordon
• Italian Lavender
• Honey Myrtle
• Indian Hawthorn
• Coast Rosemary
• Bank Catclaw
• Berry Saltbush

Types of species subject to change.

Play space for AJ Fine Reserve

During consultation, we heard that making the local area greener is important to the community.

We asked what enhancements you'd like to see at Market Street Reserve and AJ Fine Reserve. As part of our project, we’ll be enhancing the existing green space at AJ Fine Reserve and landscaping Market Street Reserve.

At AJ Fine Reserve, most people told us that they preferred a nature-style play area, which is why we're installing log climbers and stepping stones as part of the play space for children to enjoy.

The play space will also include a landscaped zone, with mulch and seating.

Why this location was chosen?

• Created new opportunities for enhancement
• Safe from critical pipelines and rail infrastructure

Works will begin at AJ Fine Reserve this month, and will be ready for the community to use by the end of the year.

What we heard during consultation. To learn more, view the consultation report.

Landscaping at Market Street Reserve

As part of our landscaping, we're also adding five log benches in the Market Street Reserve, made from re-purposed logs from local trees. They will be located adjacent to the new shared use path to provide the community with more places to rest and play while they move through the area.

Major works are now complete – let’s take a look back!

Now that the pedestrian and cycling bridge is built over Champion Road, Akuna Drive extension opened to vehicles and all three rail bridges are taking trains over Maddox Road – major works at Newport are complete!

Over the past few months we’ve been:

• Constructing and commissioning the third rail bridge for freight trains including installing 24 beams to form the structure and installing the rail track
• Completing works on Champion Road’s pedestrian and cycling bridge
• Finishing the cul-de-sac at Champion Road
• Building the shared use path and landscaping at Market Street
• Working on the shared use paths along Market Street, Railway Parade and along the rail corridor between Maddox Road and Ross Road.

Our crews will continue working over the coming months on landscaping, shared use paths and finishing works – with the project set to be complete in early 2027.

Thank you for supporting local businesses

Meet your local prestige automotive repair trader

Meet George Kallifidas, a lifelong resident of Williamstown and owner of George & Co Bodyworks – the only Porsche Certified Collision Centre in the Western suburbs.

Passionate about cars (Porsches in particular!), George opened up shop on Maddox Road 20 years ago and has been providing clients with premium results ever since. When asked what he loves most about Newport and Williamstown North, his response includes the friendly, community oriented neighbourhood which is why meeting new clients is his favourite part of running his business.

Next time your car is needing some extra care, be sure to visit George and Co.

Address: 98 Maddox Road, Williamstown North

Website: georgeandcobw.com.au

Project timeline

Late 2022

• Project announced

2023

• Vision and values engagement
• Early site investigations and planning

2024

• Planning consultation and community surveys
• Stakeholder liaison group meetings
• Designs released
• Early works begin

2025

• Updated designs released
• Major works begin
• Final designs released

Early 2026

• New link road opens
• Park Crescent car park opens
• Champion Road level crossing closed
• Pedestrian and cycling bridge opens

Late 2026

• Maddox Road level crossing removed
• Newport level crossing free
• AJ Fine Reserve and shared use paths complete

Early 2027

• Landscaping complete
• Project completion

*Timeline subject to change.