The Anderson Street level crossing in Yarraville is set to be closed to traffic by the end of the decade under plans released by the state government on Friday.
Major construction works will begin by 2028 and the Anderson Street level crossing closed to traffic by 2029 under the plans which are available for public comment until November 30.
A pedestrian underpass will be built under the rail line to maintain access to the popular Yarraville Village precinct, while vehicles travelling to the area from the west will still be able to cross the rail line via Somerville Road and Francis Street.
The approach is in contrast to the removal of other level crossings on the Werribee line, including in neighbouring Spotswood, where a so-called ‘sky rail’ overpass above Hudson Road is planned.
It’s understood that expert assessments of the Anderson Street site found that closing the level crossing entirely was the safest and most effective solution due to the narrow rail corridor and dense urban environment.
Anderson Street is one of the most dangerous level crossings on Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network, with one fatality and four serious injuries since 2006, and 26 near misses involving trains, pedestrians and vehicles since 2016.
As recently as 2023, a vehicle collided with a train at the intersection.
The boom gates on Anderson Street are often down for almost half of the morning peak, as up to 50 trains pass through the crossing – causing major congestion and delays for commuters.
“Removing the Anderson Street level crossing will transform Yarraville – changing the way locals live, work and travel for generations to come,” Ms Williams said in announcing the plans.
President of the the Yarraville Business Association, Dave Cox, welcomed the announcement, but said infrastructure and access solutions must be in place
before the crossing is closed.
“That means improved parking, and safe, accessible connections for pedestrians, prams, and people with disabilities across both sides of Anderson Street,” Mr Cox said.
Similar plans to close Champion Road in Newport to traffic as part of level crossing works there, have proven controversial and sparked strong community resistance.
Provide feedback at: https://engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-anderson-street
