Works now underway to remove VIC Old Geelong Road level crossing

Another dangerous and congested level crossing in Victoria will be permanently gone by 2022 as major construction begins on the Old Geelong Road level crossing removal project in Hoppers Crossing. 

The project is part of a $355.5 million package of works that will remove the level crossing at Old Geelong Road in Hoppers Crossing as well as at Werribee Street in Werribee. 

This level crossing removal project is going to be undertaken by the alliance between McConnell Dowell, Arup, Mott MacDonald and Metro Trains Melbourne, in partnership with the Level Crossing Removal Project. 

Aerial view (source: Level Crossing Removal Project)

To remove the Old Geelong Road level crossing, a new road bridge is going to be built over the rail line east of the current level crossing, which will directly connect Princes Highway to Old Geelong Road. 

Once the road bridge is completed, the existing level crossing is going to be permanently closed to traffic and is planned to be utilised for improved community spaces and new landscaped areas. 

Crews are already on site to lift huge retaining wall panels into place as this is the first step for the construction of the new road bridge. 

Pedestrian overpass at Hoppers Crossing Station (source: Level Crossing Removal Project)

In addition, works have also commenced on a new pedestrian and cyclist overpass at Hoppers Crossing Station. 

The existing Old Geelong Road level crossing is located near vital facilities such as hospitals, shopping centres and schools and it caters to approximately 18,000 vehicles each day. 

Removing the dangerous and congested Old Geelong Road level crossing will greatly improve safety as well as traffic flow for the thousands of motorists passing through the crossing daily. 

Source: Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2, 3); Inside Construction