The designs for a major new bike and pedestrian bridge over the rail tracks in Newport in Melbourne's southwest have been released.
The bridge, at Champion Road, links into a developing bike riding network along the rail corridor through Newport, and across to Williamstown.
It is part of a Level Crossings Removal Project (LXRP) to remove two level crossings on the busy Werribee line at Newport – the other is at nearby Maddox Road, where a rail bridge will be constructed. A third crossing is to be removed at Maidstone Street in Altona.
Champion Road will be closed to motor traffic. No rail bridge or trench was possible because of the proximity of multiple fuel and gas pipelines in the rail corridor as well as the necessity of at-grade connections to the adjacent train stabling yards.
It was possible to build the bike and pedestrian bridge close by, with the use of long connecting ramps to enable a comfortable ride up to the bridge span, positioned with sufficient safety clearance above the overhead rail power lines.
Lookouts and seating are incorporated into the structure.
The project will also deliver a new section of trail along Railway Parade from Maddox Road connecting to the existing trail along Market Street, which takes riders into central Newport at the railway station.
In the other direction, in a separate project along the rail corridor, a new section of trail is to be constructed between Blenheim Street and Mills Street.
The designs for both Newport crossings are now out for public consultation and there is opportunity for feedback and questions. https://engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-newport
The crossings will be removed in 2026. A $369 million contract has been awarded to an alliance comprising Acciona, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne, and the LXRP.
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