Major transport disruptions are on the way for Melbourne’s inner west as the state government has announced the final designs for the Newport level crossing removal project.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams today unveiled plans for new rail bridges that will carry passenger and freight trains over Maddox Road, along with a separate pedestrian and cycling bridge at Champion Road.
The designs, shaped by community feedback, aim to improve safety and traffic flow while reflecting Newport’s coastal and industrial character. The Maddox Road bridge features soft blue-green screens and curved structures inspired by the nearby foreshore and wetlands, while the Champion Road bridge includes imagery of the Newport Railway Workshops and the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve.
“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.”
To make way for construction, buses will replace trains on sections of the Werribee Line from Thursday 13 November to Sunday 16 November. From Monday 17 November until late April, services will run on a single track between Laverton and Newport to keep trains moving while works continue.
During this period, citybound services will run express from Laverton to Newport, and outbound services will stop at all stations via the Altona Loop. Passengers from Altona, Westona and Seaholme can take shuttle buses to Newport or continue to Laverton for connecting services.
The project will also create a new road connection between Akuna Drive and Maddox Road once the dangerous level crossings at Maddox and Champion Roads are removed next year.
More local open space improvements are being designed, including 145 new trees and over 35,000 plants across the area.
The Newport works form part of the Labor Government’s plan to remove 110 level crossings across Melbourne, with 87 already completed.
