Work is underway to build a new road underpass that will transform the heart of Dandenong and remove the Webster Street level crossing for good.
Webster Street will close at the level crossing later this year, with a new road underpass connecting Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads opening in 2026 – 2 years ahead of schedule.
The project will remove heavy vehicles from the centre of Dandenong, improving safety and traffic flow by separating trains and vehicles, and bring the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines one step closer to being level crossing free in 2025.
Following site establishment works last month, a 95-tonne piling rig has been on site to dig the first piles ahead of relocating an underground pipeline on Thomas Street. Crews will return later this year to dig more than 380 piles to form the foundations for the new road underpass and retaining walls.
The level crossing removal project includes a new walking and cycling path under the existing Dandenong Creek rail bridge, connecting to the Dandenong Creek Trail and providing safer pedestrian and cycling access under the rail line.
A new signalised intersection will also be built at Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to boost safety and improve traffic flow.
The Webster Street level crossing is one of the most dangerous in Melbourne, with 22 near misses recorded since 2012.
Boom gates are down for up to 62 minutes during the morning peak, causing traffic chaos for drivers in Dandenong.
Removing 8 level crossings in the Greater Dandenong area will save about 6 hours of boom gate down time each morning, directly benefiting businesses in this busy industrial area.
