Major works are continuing in Newport, in Melbourne’s southwest, to get rid of the dangerous and congested level crossing at Maddox Road.
Crews have started building the third rail bridge over Maddox Road, which is set to carry freight later this year and will separate trains from drivers, pedestrians and cyclists for good.
This month, two 450-tonne mobile cranes will lift 24 beams into place, weighing up to 110 tonnes each, to form the new freight rail bridge.
Works are also underway to build a new 400-metre path along the rail line between Maddox Road and Ross Road, providing the missing link for a safe off-road connection from Newport Station to Altona North.
In April, a new pedestrian and cycling bridge was lifted into place over Champion Road, providing locals with a safer connection over the busy rail line and allowing the level crossing to permanently close to vehicles.
Passenger trains are travelling over Maddox Road on two new rail bridges, which were completed in late April.
Drivers are also using the new Akuna Drive link road to travel through the area and connect to Maddox Road, which will be boom-gate free later in 2026.
Five level crossings are going for good in Melbourne’s inner west, at Newport, Altona, Spotswood and Yarraville, boosting safety and easing congestion throughout the area.
