The final designs for the Newport level crossing removal project have been released.
The designs for the new rail bridges that will carry passenger and freight trains over Maddox Road, along with a new pedestrian and cycling bridge at Champion Road were unveiled by Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams on Wednesday 12 November.
The state government said the designs were shaped by community feedback and showcase Newport’s natural beauty and industrial heritage while improving safety and connectivity – including a right-turn lane for cyclists on Maddox Road.
The Maddox Road rail bridge celebrates the foreshore and wetlands with coastal-inspired curves and soft blue-green screens, while the Champion Road bridge features imagery of the historic Newport Railway Workshops and Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, the government said.
As part of the level crossing removal Akuna Drive will be connected to Maddox Road to provide a route for local motorists.
According to the government, designs for improvements to local open space are still being developed, with more information to be shared next year.
The government expects the project to include about 145 large trees and more than 35,000 plants, shrubs and grasses planted throughout the area.
Major works on the project will ramp up this month, with buses to replace trains on sections of the Werribee line from Thursday 13 November to Sunday 16 November.
To keep trains running and avoid a months-long complete shutdown, services will run on a single track between Laverton and Newport from Monday 17 November until late April next year.
Citybound services will run express from Laverton to Newport and outbound services will stop all stations via Altona, Westona and Seaholme on the Altona Loop.
Passengers travelling to the city from Altona, Westona and Seaholme can travel by shuttle bus to Newport Station, or by train to Laverton Station, where they can continue their journey to the city by train. We thank the community for their patience while these arrangements are in place.
“We’re getting rid of the two level crossings in Newport, delivering safer and more accessible connections,” Ms Williams said.
“With major works ramping up this month, we’re one step closer to a level crossing free Werribee Line by 2030.”
The final designs can be viewed at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/newport
