Watsons Road Bridge Opens, Celebrating Major Milestone for Melbourne’s Level Crossing Removal Program
The new Watsons Road bridge has officially opened to traffic in Diggers Rest, Victoria, marking a major milestone for the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) and Melbourne’s transport network.
The opening was attended by AFL premiership player and KPI Construction Services Business Development Representative, Dane Swan, alongside Wayne Wright, General Manager of KPI Construction Services, recognising the successful delivery of a project that permanently separates road and rail over the busy Sunbury rail line. The Watsons Road bridge represents the 88th level crossing removal in Melbourne, reinforcing Victoria’s ongoing commitment to safer and more reliable transport infrastructure.
To mark the occasion, 14 classic cars from the Macedon Ranges and District Motor Club were among the first vehicles to officially road-test the new bridge, celebrating the transition to safer and more efficient journeys for the local community.
Improved Safety, Access, and Community Connectivity
The newly opened bridge features a dedicated pedestrian path, making it easier and safer for residents to cross the rail corridor. The project follows the earlier opening of the Golden Way road bridge and the removal of the Old Calder Highway level crossing in June, completing a major upgrade to transport connections in Diggers Rest.
In addition, a new community open space has been delivered, connecting Diggers Rest Station to the local post office, while more than 35,000 trees, shrubs, and grasses have been planted across the project area, enhancing local amenity and environmental outcomes.
Reducing Delays and Supporting a Growing Transport Network
Before the removal of the crossings, more than 8,000 vehicles used the Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road level crossings every day, with delays of up to 36 minutes during the morning peak as 27 trains passed through the crossings. With more services now operating on the Sunbury Line following the opening of the Metro Tunnel, removing these crossings prevents even longer boom gate delays in the future.
The Victorian Government noted that the achievement contributes to a broader network milestone, with the nearly 100-kilometre Metro Tunnel rail corridor now completely boom-gate free, following the removal of all 35 sets of boom gates from the Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines.
KPI Construction Services’ Role
KPI Construction Services proudly supported the project by providing skilled labour hire and comprehensive traffic management services, helping ensure safe access, efficient staging, and minimal disruption throughout construction. The involvement of Dane Swan and Wayne Wright at the opening reflects KPI’s commitment to supporting landmark infrastructure projects that deliver lasting benefits for Victorian communities.
The opening of the Watsons Road bridge marks another step forward in improving safety, reducing congestion, and keeping Melbourne moving as the city continues to grow.