Major works have begun as piling gets underway for three new rail bridges in western Melbourne.
The construction of two bridges In Newport will see the removal of a level crossing on Maddox Road and another bridge will provide a pedestrian/cyclist overpass at Champion Road.
Two 133-tonne piling rigs are now on-site, drilling 16 holes up to 17 metres deep to form the foundations for the new passenger rail bridges, removing the need for the crossing.
A third piling rig is laying the groundwork for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the rail line at Champion Road, to keep the community connected.
Piling words are expected to continue over the coming weeks as holes are reinforced with steel and filled with concrete. Once complete, these foundations will support the new bridges as they begin to take shape above ground.
Works are also continuing on the extension of Akuna Drive which will connect Champion Road to Maddox Road. This new link road will open before Champion Road is closed at the rail line in 2026.
Both level crossings will be removed in 2026, paving the way for the Werribee Line to be level crossing-free by the end of the decade.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com