Major works have begun in Newport as piling gets underway for the new rail bridges that will see 2 level crossings at Champion Road and Maddox Road gone for good.
Two 133-tonne piling rigs are now on site, drilling 16 holes up to 17m deep to form the foundations for the new passenger rail bridges which will remove the Maddox Road crossing.
A third piling rig is also in action, laying the groundwork for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the rail line at Champion Road, to keep the community connected.
Piling involves drilling deep underground, reinforcing the holes with steel, and filling them with concrete. Once complete, these foundations will support the new bridges as they begin to take shape above ground.
To deliver works safely, buses will replace trains on the Werribee Line at times throughout August. For more information and to plan your journey, visit the Big Build disruptions page.
Works also continue on the extension of Akuna Drive which will connect Champion Road to a level crossing free Maddox Road. The new road will make it safer and easier for drivers to travel through Newport and Williamstown and will open before Champion Road is closed in 2026.
Locals will start to see more activity in the area as construction ramps up, with piling continuing over the coming weeks.
Both level crossings will be gone for good in 2026, paving the way for the Werribee Line to be level crossing free by 2030, transforming the way locals live, work, and travel.
