23 October 2025

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’ll also build a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the rail line at Champion Road.

What we’re doing

In November, we’ll continue with major construction works including:

  • continuing to build the new rail bridges and walking and cycling bridge
  • building the new link road between Akuna Drive and Maddox Road
  • constructing hardstands within the rail corridor to support the weight of large machinery and equipment
  • relocating rail signalling and drainage infrastructure
  • installing fencing around the project area, including on Railway Parade
  • commence using the new access point at the end of Churchill Street
  • continue piling in the rail corridor, including near Railway Parade.

Werribee and Williamstown lines closure and 24/7 works

Buses will replace trains on the Werribee and Williamstown lines between North Melbourne, Werribee and Williamstown from 8.30pm, Thursday 13 November to last service, Sunday 16 November.

During this time the Maddox Road level crossing will be closed as we work 24/7 in the rail corridor. Detours will be in place with signage in place to help you safely get around.

To keep the Werribee Line moving while we undertake major construction, trains will run on a single track between Newport and Laverton from Monday 17 November to late April 2026. Running the trains in this way allows us to minimise disruption and ensures most passengers won’t need to take rail replacement buses.

Visit Transport Victoria for more information and to plan your journey.

Maddox Road works

Works to dismantle three warehouses on Maddox Road will continue until early to mid-November. We’ll then begin works to build the new intersection at Maddox Road and the new Akuna link from Thursday 6 November.

As construction ramps up, an increase in construction traffic means Maddox Road can no longer be used as an informal pedestrian crossing. For your safety, please use all designated pedestrian routes and follow detour directions where required to help keep workers, drivers, and pedestrians safe.

Quarry Reserve footpath works

We’re building a new pedestrian footpath in Quarry Reserve between Akuna Drive and Park Crescent to provide a connection to new car parking on Park Crescent. We’ll install temporary fencing around the works area from Tuesday 28 October with works to occur until late November.

Park Crescent works

We’re building 50 car spaces on Park Crescent for local businesses and the community. Works will begin from Tuesday 18 November and continue until early 2026.

For safely, we’ll temporarily close on-street parking on the western side of Park Crescent between Champion Road and Violet Street during this time.

We’ll also build a pram crossing on Park Crescent between Thursday 6 November and Saturday 8 November. A lane closure on Park Crescent will be in place at this time, with access maintained for pedestrians

Other works in the area

  • Ongoing driveway and pavement works on Launceston Street.
  • Minor vegetation removal works and removal of waste material, in line with strict health and safety guidelines.
  • Relocation of underground power and telecommunication services. We are working closely with service providers and will endeavour to keep you informed about what to expect during these works. Service providers will communicate with properties and customers directly if services or access may be affected.
  • Beam lifts into the rail corridor at night, commencing late November and continuing for 10 nights.

What to expect

  • General working hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturdays 7am to 6pm.
  • At times throughout November, works will be undertaken outside general working hours to reduce disruptions to roads and 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.
  • Some on-street parking on local roads may be temporarily impacted at times.
  • Increase in construction vehicles, delivery trucks and machinery moving around the areas they enter and exit from our work sites.
  • During some activities you may notice an increase in construction noise, vibration and dust.

Changes to the way you travel

Maddox Road

  • Maddox Road closed from 8pm, Thursday 30 October to 5am, Friday 31 October between the level crossing and Albermarle Street. Local detour in place.
  • 22 on-street parking spaces will permanently close on the eastern side of Maddox Road from 7am, Wednesday 29 October.
  • The shared use path will close between the level crossing and 144 Maddox Road from 8pm, Thursday 30 October 2025 to February 2026.
  • Maddox Road closed at the level crossing from 8.30pm, Thursday 13 November to 3am, Monday 17 November.

Park Crescent

  • Park Crescent lane closure between Violet Street and Champion Road from 7am to 5am each night, Thursday 6 November to Saturday 8 November. Traffic controllers will be on-site to assist motorists
  • Park Crescent full closure between Violet Street and Champion Road from 9.30am to 3pm on Tuesday 18 November. Local detour in place.
  • On-street car parking closed on the western side of Park Crescent between Champion Road and Violet Street from late October 2025 to February 2026.

Railway Parade

  • Traffic impacts at times throughout November.
  • No parking on the southside of Railway Parade (along the rail corridor) until late 2026.

Rail

Werribee and Williamstown lines

  • Buses replace trains between North Melbourne, Werribee and Williamstown from 8.30pm, Thursday 13 November to 5am, Saturday 15 November.

Werribee Line

  • Buses replace trains between Newport and Werribee from 5am, Saturday 15 November to last service, Sunday 16 November.
  • The Werribee Line will experience temporary timetable and service changes from Monday 17 November to late April 2026. View timetable information at Transport Victoria or via passenger information displays at your station
  • All trains to the City will not stop at Seaholme, Altona and Westona stations from Monday 17 November to late April 2026. A replacement bus will take passengers to Newport Station for a connecting train service.

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 email updates to stay informed.

More information