24 June 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 July, we’re kicking off major construction activities with piling on the south side of Champion Road level crossing for the new pedestrian and cycling bridge. We’ll also continue:

  • drainage and earthworks for the new Akuna Drive link road
  • 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, including Market Street Reserve
  • building a construction vehicle access point between Market Street Reserve and the Champion Road roundabout
  • tree and vegetation trimming and removal
  • relocating drainage and utilities on Launceston Street and Maddox Road
  • removing waste material, including asbestos, in line with strict health and safety guidelines.

Out of hours works

  • We need to work 24/7
    • from 8.30pm, Friday 4 July until late Sunday 6 July in the rail corridor and the Maddox Road level crossing will be closed. During this time, buses will replace trains on the Werribee Line
    • for one night in mid-July to remove the barriers on Maddox Road to reopen to traffic in both directions.
  • Launceston Street and Maddox Road relocation of underground services
    • At times throughout July, we’ll undertake works on Launceston Street outside our general working hours to reduce disruptions to nearby businesses. We will continue to work with impacted properties and businesses.

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 3pm
  • Out of hours works will take place as required from 6pm until 6am Monday to Friday, 3pm on Saturdays until 6am on Sundays and during the day and night on Sundays
  • 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

Maddox Road

  • Closed at the level crossing from 8.30pm Friday 4 July to late on Sunday 6 July
  • Northbound lane closed between Railway Parade and Macaulay Street until mid-July
  • Northbound lane closure extended to Jubilee Street, no on-street parking on west side in early-July for 3 days - date to be advised closer to the time
  • Closed at the level crossing in mid-July for 1 night - date to be advised closer to the time.

Railway Parade

  • Road closed and no parking between Revo Street and Maddox Road, driveway access maintained to properties under traffic management in early-July for 1 day - date to be advised closer to the time.

Market Street Reserve

  • Closed between Challis Street and Champion Road in early-July until mid-2026. Pedestrians can access Market Street via the path on the residential side of the street.

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