31 March 2026

We’re removing the Maddox Road and Champion Road level crossings, Newport to improve safety, create more reliable travel times and prepare for more trains, more often.

We’re building rail bridges over Maddox Road and closing Champion Road at the rail line. To keep locals moving, we’re extending Akuna Drive to connect Champion Road to Maddox Road. The new road will open before Champion Road closes in 2026. We are also building a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the rail line at Champion Road.

What we’re doing

The new Akuna Drive link road connecting Champion Road and Maddox Road, is planned to open to traffic on Thursday 2 April.

In the lead-up to the road opening, 50 new car parking spaces on Park Crescent will open from Tuesday 31 March to support local businesses and the community. In addition, 80 new car parks will be available on the new link road section of Akuna Drive from Thursday 2 April.

Over the coming months completion works in the area will continue, including:

  • Fencing and landscaping on the new Akuna Drive link road and at the Maddox Road and Launceston St intersections
  • Roadside remediation works on Park Crescent
  • Minor finishing works on and around the new link road, expected to be low impact with minimal disruptions to residents, businesses and road users
  • Public lighting auditing and commissioning works on Akuna Drive link road and Park Crescent.

Other works and disruptions in the area

Works to remove the Maddox Road and Champion Road level crossings are ongoing and throughout April there will be impacts and changes to the way you travel in the area. For more information, please visit the disruptions map.

We’ll make every effort to complete works on schedule. However, dates may change due to weather and other factors outside our control. Please see traffic signage in the area for updates.

What to expect

  • General working hours of Monday to Saturdays, 7am to 6pm
  • Road changes will be in place on Maddox Road and Akuna Drive from Thursday 2 April. Please drive to conditions and follow all updated road signage and line marking when travelling through the area.
  • Changes to pedestrian access and on-street parking along Maddox Road, Launceston Street, Akuna Drive and Champion Road. Please check local signage.
  • At times, works will occur outside general working hours to reduce disruptions to roads and businesses.
  • Reduced speed limits and traffic management with minor delays on roads, at times.
  • An increase in construction noise, vibration and dust.

More information