A new shared use path along Webster Street, Dandenong is set to open on Friday 10 October, linking to the Dandenong Creek Trail and connecting to local shops and services in the Dandenong CBD.
The new path through Woodcock Reserve is being built as part of the Webster Street level crossing removal project, replacing the dangerous and congested level crossing with a new east-west road underpass connecting Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads.
The 266m path’s design reflects its bushland surrounds, incorporating a boardwalk built around a large River Red Gum in Woodcock Reserve, and will provide cyclists and pedestrians with safer journeys through the area.
At the level crossing, crews are preparing to get rid of the final set of boom gates on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
Webster Street will permanently close at the rail line from 9pm, Friday 10 October, with crews kicking off a 14-day construction blitz to dismantle the boom gates and undertake major works to build the new road underpass.
While crews work around the clock, buses and coaches will replace trains on sections of the Gippsland, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines from 8.30pm, Friday 10 October to last service, Thursday 23 October, with passengers advised to allow extra travel time.
After Webster Street closes at the rail line, detours will be in place via Cheltenham Road, Hammond Road and the Dandenong Bypass until the road opens next year.
Signage will be in place to help drivers navigate the new travel routes through the area, and more information is available on the Big Build disruptions map to help plan your road or rail journey.
Locals can also register for an online information session at 6pm, Wednesday 8 October. Visit Webster Street travel changes to register.
More than 200 trains pass through the Webster Street level crossing each day, with the boom gates down for more than an hour during the morning peak, causing significant delays for drivers and the risk of safety incidents between trains and vehicles.
