Newport’s green open spaces are being given a boost, with a new nature-based play space to be built at AJ Fine Reserve as part of the Newport level crossing removal project.
Following last month’s removal of the Maddox Road level crossing, with passenger and freight trains now using the new rail bridges, crews are continuing finishing works to complete new shared use paths and landscaping, with works on the new play area at AJ Fine Reserve set to begin later this month.
Based on community feedback, the play space will include log climbers, stepping stones, garden beds, and a landscaped zone with seating and tan bark.
Temporary fencing will be installed around the area to allow crews to safely build the new play area, which will be completed by the end of this year.
New pedestrian and cycling paths will also open to the community later this year.
The new paths along Railway Parade and Market Street will better connect people moving around the area, and the new 400m path along the rail line between Maddox Road and Ross Road will provide the missing link for a safe off-road connection from Newport Station to Altona North.
The Maddox Road level crossing was removed in September, and in April a new pedestrian and cycling bridge was lifted into place over Champion Road, with the level crossing permanently closed to vehicles. Drivers are using the new Akuna Drive link road to travel safely through the area and connect to a boom gate-free Maddox Road.
