The dangerous level crossing at Old Geelong Road in Hoppers Crossing is being removed months ahead of schedule, with the new road bridge set to open to drivers by 5am, Thursday 9 December.
The new road bridge creates a direct connection to Hoppers Crossing Station and shopping precinct, allowing drivers to safely travel over the rail line and access local businesses.
Drivers are asked to take special care navigating the road changes and plan ahead for a safe journey.
Learn more about how your journey around Hoppers Crossing will change.
Travel changes for vehicles around Hoppers Crossing
From Thursday 9 December, drivers will travel safely over the rail line via 2 new intersections, and entry and exit ramps at Old Geelong Road, Princes Highway and Princes Freeway.
From Old Geelong Road
To travel to Princes Highway towards Werribee from Old Geelong Road, drivers can turn south onto the bridge from the new signalised intersection at Old Geelong Road and keep right, towards the second signalised intersection where they will turn right again.
To travel towards the city from Old Geelong Road, drivers can turn south from the same intersection at Old Geelong Road, and use the two left lanes on the bridge to veer left towards M1 (city).
To Old Geelong Road
When heading to Old Geelong Road from Princes Highway, drivers can take a new exit east of the current level crossing towards old Geelong Road, and turn left at the bridge.
To get to Old Geelong Road from the city, drivers can take the usual exit towards Hoppers Crossing/Werribee, then a new left slip lane towards Old Geelong Road. At a new signalised intersection, drivers will be able to turn right onto the bridge.
Changes for pedestrians and cyclists are coming in 2022
People travelling on foot or by bike will continue to cross over the rail line at the current pedestrian gates until the new pedestrian and cyclist overpass at Hoppers Crossing Station opens in 2022.
The boom gates will remain in place until they are removed in 2022, to reduce disruption for rail passengers.
The new 1.2km road bridge will improve safety, provide more reliable travel times and more efficient traffic flow at this key connection point in Hoppers Crossing.
Temporary travel changes will be in place while we finish upgrading nearby roads and intersections in 2022.