Removing unsafe level crossings and creating better transport in Victoria

To date the Alliance has successfully removed three level crossings for the Victorian Government and is working on three others.

In Williamstown, the Ferguson St level crossing is used by more than 25,000 vehicles and 110 trains each day, forcing regular boom gate closures which create significant safety concerns and pedestrian, cyclist and driver frustration. 

To separate trains from vehicles, the Alliance team will:

• lower the rail line into a 750m-long trench below road level

• rebuild Ferguson St over the trench, including a 20m wide pedestrian and cyclist concourse

• introduce an additional pedestrian crossing and 

• build a new North Williamstown railway station. 

Construction is expected to be completed next year.

During the design phase, Arup created a ‘virtual community information room’ to explain the proposed project and seek feedback. The online centre was developed when COVID health measures restricted in-person consultation and allowed the public and stakeholders to access information, view maps and drawings, watch scheme fly-throughs, navigate 3D models and share feedback at any time. 

With the Alliance team members needing to work from home, design work processes also changed with an emphasis on digital collaboration tools. 

“Knowing the complexity of the project, our plans are aimed at minimising community inconvenience and transport disruption,” Liam said. 

“We also want the final outcome to enhance the local precinct. We have created new open space for the community and deliberately maintained the character of Williamstown’s lowrise streetscapes for the new station.” 

The Alliance is also working on the Cherry Street level crossing removal in Werribee which will create a new direct connection to the Princes Highway, the removal of the level crossing on Old Geelong Road in Hoppers Crossing, and the Werribee Street level crossing, also in Werribee. This Alliance is also focused on delivering the Cranbourne Line Upgrade, removing the Greens Road level crossing in Dandenong South and duplicating the rail line between Dandenong and Cranbourne to improve service frequency.