Since 2018, our standard process for announcing new level crossing removals has been with a preferred design option, based on technical assessments.
Community feedback plays an important role in all level crossing removal projects and helps us refine designs so we can best meet community needs.
When we spoke to the community last year, we heard walking and cycling connections were important, so this feedback, along with ongoing technical work will inform the designs
Feedback from community consultation, alongside technical requirements will help inform the designs. We‘ll share a summary of what we heard and more information about the designs later this year.
First and foremost, safety is the number one priority. Removing the level crossing eliminates interaction between trains, drivers, pedestrians and bike riders.
It’s also critical to support other projects. The Metro Tunnel is on track to open in 2025, a year ahead of schedule allowing for more trains, more often on the Werribee Line. When more trains run on the Werribee Line, the boom gates will be down longer.
The Victorian Government has committed to making Melbourne’s busiest train lines level crossing free as a key strategic priority to ensure the safety and reliability of the entire metropolitan train network.
Level crossing removal projects also bring upgraded infrastructure such as rail and signalling. This provides an opportunity to replace older and less efficient infrastructure, reducing the likelihood of faults on the network and improving overall service delivery on the line.
Open space
We’re in the early stages of design for this project, and as part of our community survey we’re exploring how people would like to use any opportunities for public space and what other similar public spaces in the area the community values. This information will inform the project design.
Landscaping and planting
Landscape design will aim to integrate the two rail bridges over Maddox Road, pedestrian bridge at Champion Road and walking and cycling connections into local surroundings through planting and wayfinding signage. Planting and landscaping will be influenced by the local ecology and existing landscape.
The planting character is informed by the local ecology of Hobsons Bay and Hobsons Bay City Council landscape design guidelines and objectives.
We’ll build a shared walking and cycling path on Railway Parade connecting into the existing path on Market Street, making it safer for people to move around the area.
Minimising tree and vegetation removal is a priority as we develop designs and during construction. However, tree and vegetation removal is necessary to safely build the rail bridge and walking and cycling connection. We know trees are a valued feature of the area and we will work with landscape designers and arborists to remove only what is necessary.
More information on tree and vegetation removal will be available at a later date.
We’re at the early stages of the design for the new link road at Akuna Drive.
The new intersection will be delivered in accordance with relevant Australian Standards, consistent with all major transport projects delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Big Build.
We’re in the early stages of design development and as we progress safety in design workshops and independent road safety audits will be undertaken to ensure the new intersection will operate safely. The new link road will maintain existing pedestrian and cycling connections along Maddox Road.