Early designs released for another level crossing removal in Melbourne's west

Another dangerous and congested level crossing in Melbourne’s west is set to be removed for good, with the Victorian Government releasing the early designs for the project. 

A new road bridge will be built over the Werribee Line to replace the level crossing at Maidstone Street in Altona, which will enable safer journeys and improve travel times for the busy industrial area. 

As freight and passenger train services on the Werribee Line are projected to increase in the future, the boom gates are expected to be down for longer periods, making the removal of the level crossing critical to keep the west moving. 

Early designs of the new Maidstone Street road bridge (source: Victoria's Big Build)

The new road bridge will have one lane in each direction with a pedestrian footpath and new lighting. This option to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing will avoid important underground utilities and the nearby protected Maidstone Street Grassland. Building a road bridge will also mean the level crossing can be removed sooner. 

Construction is due to start in 2025 and the level crossing at Maidstone Street will be gone for good by 2027. 

With over 14,400 vehicles and 48 trains travelling through the level crossing each day where the boom gates are down for more than 20 per cent of the morning peak, its removal will not only boost safety but will also create more reliable travel times and push the Werribee Line further to be level crossing-free by 2030. 

Early designs of the new Maidstone Street road bridge (source: Victoria's Big Build)

The local community is encouraged to share their feedback to help further refine the designs for the Maidstone Street level crossing removal. More information on the project, online surveys and community information sessions can be found here. 

This project is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings from around Melbourne by 2030 – with 80 already gone for good. 

“The release of this design takes us one step closer to making the Werribee Line level crossing free by 2030 – changing the way people live, work and travel. 

“We’re thrilled to see another level crossing going in the west and invite the community to provide feedback to help shape the designs of this important project,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said. 

“Community feedback is an important part of all level crossing removal projects and Altona locals can have their say on the look and feel of the designs which will see the boom gates at Maidstone Street gone for good,” Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne said. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build – Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2)