Major works continue across multiple Melbourne train lines, at Maddox Road and Champion Road with new rail bridges under construction.
Level crossing removals across Melbourne’s inner west train lines are hitting a major construction phase this November, with crews working 24/7 during a three-day construction blitz.
Works are ramping up to remove two level crossings in Newport and another in Altona, with round-the-clock shifts completing important track and signalling works along the rail line while building foundations for the new passenger rail bridge over Maddox Road and the new walking and cycling bridge at Champion Road.
Melbourne train lines – operation changes
- Maddox Road closed between level crossing and Albemarle Street: 8pm Friday 31 October to 5am Saturday 1 November
- No pedestrian access across Maddox Road level crossing until late 2026
- Railway Parade parking closed on south side until late 2026
- Buses replace trains on Werribee and Williamstown lines: late Thursday 13 November to last service Sunday 16 November
- Single line running between Newport and Laverton: Monday 17 November 2025 to late April 2026
- Altered timetable on Werribee Line: Monday 17 November 2025 to late April 2026
- Maddox Road and Champion Road level crossings removed by 2026
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
November works also include continuing construction on the rail and walking and cycling bridges at both locations, removing passenger rail tracks, progressing drainage works, and installing beams in the rail corridor near Newport. Work will continue on removing the Maidstone Street level crossing in Altona during the same period, while the Champion Road level crossing will be permanently closed with a new link road connecting Maddox Road to Champion Road via Akuna Drive.
To allow crews to work safely, buses will replace trains on sections of the Werribee and Williamstown lines from late Thursday 13 November until the last service Sunday 16 November. From Monday 17 November until late April 2026, trains will operate on a single track between Newport and Laverton stations to keep the Werribee Line running during construction.
Passengers travelling to the city from Seaholme, Altona and Westona will catch a shuttle bus to Newport Station before continuing their journey by train, though trains will run as normal along the Altona Loop for passengers heading from the city. Running trains this way ensures passenger services on the busy Werribee Line can continue during major works, reducing the need for bus replacement services. Werribee Line trains will run to an altered timetable during this period.
Road changes include Maddox Road closing between the level crossing and Albemarle Street from 8pm Friday 31 October to 5am Saturday 1 November, with Railway Parade parking on the south side closed until late 2026. Pedestrian access across the Maddox Road level crossing will be unavailable until late 2026.
Maddox Road and Champion Road level crossings will be gone by 2026. Five level crossings are being removed across Newport, Altona, Spotswood and Yarraville, making the Werribee Line boom gate free by 2030.
For more information, head here.
