22 July 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 August, we’re continuing to build the new Akuna link road, the new pedestrian and cycling bridge at Champion Road, and preparing to build the rail bridges over Maddox Road. These works will include:

  • piling for the pedestrian and rail bridges
  • building the south pedestrian bridge abutment
  • drainage and earthworks, plus kerb and road works for the new link road
  • relocating drainage and utilities in Launceston Street
  • minor tree and vegetation trimming and removal
  • removing waste material, including asbestos, in line with strict health and safety guidelines.

Maddox Road works

To build the new Akuna link road, we need to remove 3 warehouses at 144 Maddox Road. Each of these buildings will be carefully disassembled, with most of the structures repurposed or recycled. Strengthening and modification works will also take place on adjacent warehouses. Works will take place during the daytime, however there may be some noise and vibration at times.

Out of hours works

  • Overnight delivery of a piling rig to Champion Road
  • Each night between 2am and 5am from Tuesday 12 August to Thursday 14 August we’ll work to commission rail communication assets using hand tools only
  • We’ll work 24/7 from 8.30pm, Friday 15 August until late Sunday 17 August in the rail corridor and the Maddox Road level crossing will be closed to traffic
  • Extended hours of 7am to 6pm Saturdays will continue within the rail corridor throughout August
  • Weekend and overnight works on Launceston Street at times to relocate underground services to reduce disruptions to nearby businesses.

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

What to expect

  • General working hours are 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm Saturdays, unless notified otherwise (note 7am to 6pm on Saturdays during August)
  • Reduced speed limits and traffic management around our work areas
  • Temporary footpath closures and some changes to street parking on local roads. Please follow directional signage and the guidance of traffic controllers
  • Increase in construction vehicles, delivery trucks and machinery moving around the area
  • An increase in construction noise, vibration and dust Changes to the way you travel.

Changes to the way you travel

Maddox Road

  • Closed between Railway Parade and Albemarle Street from 8.30pm Friday 15 August to late Sunday 17 August. Access for businesses maintained under traffic management.
  • Lane closure around works on Thursday 24 July and Friday 25 July.
  • Closed between Railway Parade and Macaulay Street in late August for four days.

Champion Road

  • Lane closure at the Champion Road level crossing from 5.30pm Saturday 16 August to 1.30pm Sunday 17 August. Two-way travel under traffic management.

Market Street Reserve

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

Werribee and Williamstown lines

Buses replace trains between:

  • Newport, Werribee and Williamstown from 8.30pm to last service each night, Monday 11 August to Wednesday 13 August
  • Newport, Werribee and Williamstown from 8.30pm to last service Friday 15 August
  • Newport and Werribee from Saturday 16 August to last service Sunday 17 August.

Additional works will take place on the Werribee and Williamstown lines throughout August. For more information and to plan your journey, head to the PTV website.

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.

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