Brighter bridges, greener spaces and new local connections

We’re removing the level crossing at Maddox Road by building 2 rail bridges, improving safety, reducing congestion and creating stronger connections.

At Maddox Road, we'll build 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 bicycle bridge over the rail line at Champion Road.

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

New project features

In response to community feedback, we’re delivering a range of new project features.

These include architectural treatments on the rail bridges over Maddox Road, more trees and greenery for the local area, new places and connections for the community to enjoy, plus we're working with Hobsons Bay City Council (HBCC) to make Maddox Road safer. There is more detail below on these initiatives.

Responding to your feedback

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

Visually enhancing the rail bridges

We’re adding vibrant architecturally designed panels on the rail bridges and a touch of colour to concrete walls to reflect the community’s request to improve the look and feel of the local area.

Inspiration for the design has been taken from the local foreshore environment with the screening colour representing the coastal saltbush and the wall treatment featuring patterns and colours that mimic the bay’s coastline and nearby Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Adding more greenery

We know that trees and vegetation are important to you. 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 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 Council 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 HBCC to ensure that any upgrades on Maddox Road complement the project, keeping everyone safe and traffic flowing.

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.

Give us your feedback on the potential recreational space locations. Tell what features you’d like to see by visiting Engage Victoria.