28 May 2025

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

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 is closed in 2026. We’ll also build a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the rail line at Champion Road.

What we’re doing

In June, we’ll begin building the new Akuna Drive link road. This means you will see more workers and vehicles in the area. To prepare the area for major construction, we will also be:

  • constructing hardstands within the rail corridor to support the weight of large machinery and equipment
  • relocating rail signalling infrastructure
  • installing fencing around the project area
  • creating a temporary pedestrian crossing on Champion Road between Akuna Drive and Park Crescent for safe crossing between project sites
  • starting utility and drainage works on Launceston Street
  • removing waste material, in line with strict health and safety guidelines
  • continuing tree and vegetation trimming and removal.

Underground service relocation works

  • To make way for the new road connection, we need to relocate underground services along Launceston Street and Maddox Road. We will communicate directly with impacted businesses and properties.

Out of hours works

  • From 7am – 6pm on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June we’ll work within the rail corridor to complete piling and retaining wall works to maintain the structural integrity of existing rail tracks.
  • We need to work 24/7
    • from 8.30pm, Friday 20 June until late on Sunday 22 June in the rail corridor and the Maddox Road level crossing will be closed. During this time, buses will replace trains on the Werribee Line.
    • throughout June as required on Launceston Street.
  • For one night in mid-June to install a temporary pedestrian crossing on Champion Road

We’ll be in touch with directly impacted residents and traders about what this means for them.

What to expect

  • Normal working hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturdays 7am to 6pm, however there will be some out of hours works on Launceston Street, to avoid disrupting businesses.
  • Reduced speed limits and traffic management will be in place around our work area
  • Local footpath closures may be implemented at times, please follow directional signage
  • On-street parking on local roads may be temporarily impacted at times
  • Increase in construction vehicles, delivery trucks and machinery moving around the area
  • During some activities you may notice an increase in construction noise, vibration and dust

Changes to the way you travel

Champion Road

  • Intermittent lane closure between Akuna Drive and Park Crescent for one night in mid-June. Travel available in both directions under traffic management.
  • Closure of up to 10 car parks between Akuna Drive and Park Crescent  in early June until late 2026.

Maddox Road

  • Northbound lane closed at the level crossing until mid-July .
  • Closed between Railway Parade and Macaulay Street for one night in mid-June - date to be advised closer to the time.
  • Closed at the level crossing from 8.30pm Friday 20 June to late on Sunday 22 June.

Werribee Line

  • Buses replace trains between North Melbourne, Werribee and Williamstown from 8.30pm Friday 13 June to last service Sunday 15 June.
  • Buses replace trains between Newport and Werribee from 8.20pm Friday 20 June to last service Sunday 22 June.

The project is located near critical utilities and pipelines; we are working closely with all operators to ensure our construction activities are completed safely.

We’ll make every effort to complete works on schedule. However, dates may change due to weather and other factors outside our control. Please monitor traffic signage in the area for updates. Sign up for SMS and e-updates to stay informed.

To ensure you’re up to date with any changes to disruptions, please subscribe to SMS updates by texting ‘NEWPORT’ to 0429 839 892.

When you subscribe for SMS updates, you will also go into the running to win 1 of 2 $100 vouchers to spend at a local trader. For full terms and conditions, visit our website.

More information