1 December 2021
Construction blitz continues
We're removing the dangerous Ferguson Street level crossing by mid December, making way for a new North Williamstown Station precinct for the community to enjoy in 2022.
Since the construction blitz started in August, crews have been working round the clock to complete works at Ferguson Street and within the rail corridor.
During this time, we have:
- removed the boom gates and redundant infrastructure
- built a new road over Ferguson Street, which will flow over the rail trench
- drilled 419 piles along the rail corridor
- started rock breaking and digging the rail trench
While Ferguson Street was closed to motorists in August and September, a massive 374 tonnes of asphalt was used to resurface Ferguson Street at the level crossing.
We have been busy digging the new rail trench with more than 95% of clay and basalt rock already excavated.
We removed the top layer of soil and clay and then commenced digging deeper to break up the rock layer, using rock breaking equipment.
Once complete crews will have excavated around 50,000 cubic metres of clay and rock throughout the rail corridor.
The lowered rail trench will be 750m long, 17m wide, and up to 8m deep.
Large trucks have commenced delivery of premade concrete sections to site which will form the new North Williamstown Station concourse.
We’d like to thank the Williamstown community for your ongoing patience while we work round the clock.
New North Williamstown Station precinct
Landscaping and planting at your new station
We know that it’s important to the Williamstown community for the new station precinct to have a natural feel, with a mix of native vegetation and greenery incorporated into the design.
The rail trench design allows us to retain more mature trees and maximise space to replant new trees, plants, shrubs and grasses near the rail line and in the new station forecourt area.
Over 40,000 plants, trees and shrubs including more than 400 mature trees will be planted around the new station precinct and along the rail line. We will also reuse some timber from removed trees as habitat logs in the landscaping.
The plants have been selected to ensure they will create an open, coastal feel that links to the Williamstown community and blends well with other elements in the new station precinct.
Tree planting and landscaping are the final activities to take place and will continue into 2022.
Pedestrian and cyclist access to the station
With improved accessibility and security, there will be more ways for pedestrians and cyclists to safely access the North Williamstown Station precinct, with new features including:
- a new four-metre-wide shared use path that will allow for connection to the Department of Transport's Strategic Cycling Corridor and Hobsons Bay City Council's future Champion Road shared use path
- secure bike storage for cyclists
- bike repair station and 17 bike hoops A drink fountain will also be installed in the eastern station forecourt.
New signalised pedestrian crossing
To ensure an accessible, safe option for the community we are building a new signalised pedestrian crossing at the site of the existing level crossing.
The new pedestrian crossing will be synchronised with the existing pedestrian crossing nearby, making it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross Ferguson Street, without causing additional delay to drivers.
Landscaping in the precinct will feature repurposed station materials. Artist impression only. Subject to change.
Maintaining Williamstown’s heritage
We are maintaining the heritage and village features in Williamstown by repurposing the existing arbour structures from the North Williamstown Station in the new station forecourt.
Climbing plant species will be planted at the base of the arbour to grow and create a shade structure.
The retained red brick western station building is currently undergoing extensive preservation works. Once complete, the building will be used for Protective Services Officers’ facilities and station operations.
The materials in the new station forecourt will include design elements to complement Williamstown’s heritage and low-rise, village-like streetscapes.
The red bricks from the eastern station building will be reused for garden beds and seating and the bluestone pavers from the existing platforms will be used in the new station precinct.
Williamstown’s open for business
Working with and supporting local traders is important to us. Here's a spotlight on some Williamstown favourites, from the traders themselves.
The WashRoom Laundromat
The WashRoom offers a convenient way to do all your laundry, or we can do it for you. Our laundry has been built with you in mind, we have a large range washers and dryers, free WiFi, TV, coffee, drinks and snacks to keep you amused while your clothes are getting the love they deserve. Our washing machines and dryers are state of the art, which are easy to use and are cleaned and sanitised regularly. We offer both cash and card payments, as well as a change machine for added convenience.
168 Ferguson Street, Williamstown 3/56 Nicholson Street, Footscray
Phone 0430 215 812
Rifle Club Hotel
On Victoria Street in the heart of Williamstown, the Rifle Club is a local favourite dining and drinking destination.
Our sports bar is the best place to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere, catch the game and have a drink with mates.
Choose one of our beers on tap, or take a look at our spirits, cider and wine list. Your favourite sports are on the big screen, Sky Channel, Fox Sports, ESPN, Fuel TV, Live AFL, cricket, UFC, boxing title fights and much more ensures all your sporting needs are covered.
121 Victoria Street, Williamstown
Phone (03) 9397 6073
Platform 177
Housed in the historic Owen’s Buildings, cafe Platform 177 is a firm favourite with residents and project workers alike.
Manager Julie Gruer says: "Everything’s good here. The coffee, the food, the atmosphere – the whole package."
Now in its sixth year, the name of the popular eatery combines its Ferguson Street number with a nod to North Williamstown Station opposite.
Owner Kristian Stergiannis also has nearby cafe, Elephant, at 70 Maddox Road, Newport.
177 Ferguson Street, Williamstown
Phone (03) 9397 1130
Did you know?
We’ve drilled a massive 419 piles into the ground. Piles are deep concrete foundations that support the sides of the trench and ensure the road is strengthened and reinforced, ready for the rail trench to be lowered underneath.
That’s equivalent to:
- 4261 lineal metres of drilling
- 85 laps of an Olympic size swimming pool
- 710 elephants standing in conga line
- 9 laps around the MCG
Upcoming travel changes
Rail
Buses will continue to replace trains on the Williamstown line between Newport and Williamstown stations until mid December.
North Williamstown Station will be closed until mid December.
For more information, and to plan your journey visit the PTV website.
Road
At times, there will be lane closures on Ferguson Street until late 2021.
Traffic management will be in place to help guide you safely through the area.
Car park
North Williamstown Station car park will remain closed until early 2022.
Alternative parking is available at 325 Melbourne Road, and 24 Market Street, Newport.
Upcoming works
The extended construction blitz has recommenced, with round the clock works now taking place until mid December.
Crews will continue to work round the clock within the rail corridor, at North Williamstown Station and near Ferguson Street. During this time, we’ll:
- upgrade existing overhead structures, install new rail track and upgrade the communications cables that run the length of the rail corridor
- continue to remove basalt rock and clay from the rail trench
- install supports for the new rail trench
- commence works on the new North Williamstown Station
For more information about upcoming works and to stay up to date, visit our website.
Basalt rock – did you know?
Basalt rock is:
- one of the hardest rocks in the world
- is part of a volcanic plain that is the third largest of its type in the world
- needs special rock breaking machines
The word basalt comes from a Latin word meaning very hard stone.
Project timeline
November 2019
- community consultation
Early 2020
- preliminary assessment and investigations
- detailed design investigations and community consultation
June 2020
- rail under road design confirmed
Late 2020
- design finalised
- community consultation regarding station and public space design
Early 2021
- set up site compounds
- relocate underground services and utilities
May 2021
- piling to install trench foundations
August to December 2021
- construction blitz begins, with road and rail disruptions
December 2021
- level crossing gone
- train services resume from North Williamstown Station
Late 2021 to mid 2022
- finishing touches on North Williamstown Station precinct and landscaping works
Health and safety
Works are continuing safely at Ferguson Street with COVIDSafe plans in place to help protect workers and the community.
Strict processes are in place to check and record the vaccination status of workers entering construction sites.
For more information about coronavirus, please visit the Coronavirus website.
Stay up to date
To stay up to date with news and travel changes, sign up for email updates or subscribe to SMS alerts by texting Ferguson to 0427 840 967.