1 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 October, we’ll continue works to build the new rail bridges and walking and cycling bridge and path. We’ll also continue to build the new link road between Akuna Drive and Maddox Road.

Maddox Road works

We will soon begin work to build the new intersection at Maddox Road and Akuna Drive. The following changes will be in place on Maddox Road from late October 2025 until early 2026 to enable construction:

  • Traffic barriers will be installed along a section of Maddox Road outside the works area.
  • The shared use path will temporarily close between the level crossing and 144 Maddox Road. During this time cyclists will need to use the regular traffic lanes.
  • 22 car spaces on the east side of Maddox Road will permanently close. A further 10 spaces will be closed on the west side of Maddox Road in early 2026.

Underground service relocation works

To make way for construction, we need to relocate underground power and telecommunication services along Maddox Road, Kororoit Creek Road, Launceston Street and surrounding roads.

We are working closely with service providers and will 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.

Other works in the area

  • Ongoing works on rail assets in the rail corridor
  • Ongoing vegetation removal in the area
  • Ongoing driveway and pavement works on Launceston Street
  • Waste material removal, including asbestos, in line with strict health and safety guidelines
  • Ongoing dismantling of 3 warehouses on Maddox Road for the new Akuna link and strengthening and protection works for the adjacent warehouses.

What to expect

  • General working hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturdays 7am to 6pm.
  • At times throughout October, works will be undertaken outside general working hours to reduce disruptions to roads and businesses. This will include service relocations at the Kororoit Creek Road and Maddox Road intersection and road barrier installation on Maddox Road.
  • Reduced speed limits and traffic management will be in place around our work area.
  • Local footpath closures likely 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 area, including Akuna Drive, Launceston Street and Park Cresent as trucks enter and exit 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

  • No pedestrian access over the rail line until late 2026
  • Road closed between the level crossing and Albemarle Street from 8pm, Friday 31 October 2025 to 5am, Saturday 1 November 2025. Local detour in place.

Railway Parade

  • Intermittent traffic impacts throughout October.
  • No parking on southern side of road from late September until late 2026.

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