- Published:
- Monday 18 May 2026 at 7:00 am
Families in Yarraville are a step closer to safer, better-connected streets and a more vibrant village precinct.
Early designs have been released to remove the dangerous Anderson Street level crossing.
The designs, shaped by community feedback, include two new pedestrian underpasses, keeping locals connected on both sides of the rail line.
Anderson Street is one of the most dangerous level crossings on the metropolitan network.
There has been one fatality and four serious injuries since 2006, along with 26 near misses involving trains, pedestrians and vehicles since 2016.
Boom gates are down for almost half of the morning peak, as up to 50 trains pass through.
This causes delays for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
Closing the crossing will enhance the vibrancy of Yarraville Village, help avoid future traffic gridlock, and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists moving through the shopping precinct.
The new Anderson Street underpass will include stairs and lifts, improving access for cyclists and people with prams, mobility aids and wheelchairs.
A second underpass will be built north of the station near Murray Street, with stairs and accessible ramps.
The Anderson Street crossing will close in 2029, making way for a new pedestrian-friendly plaza in the heart of the village.
Closing the road will unlock space for a new pedestrian plaza east of the rail line, with seating and open space to support Yarraville’s village feel.
Vehicle access will be maintained on the west side via the bus interchange, allowing cars and buses to move safely through the area.
Five level crossings are being removed across Melbourne’s inner west at Newport, Spotswood, Yarraville and Altona, making the Werribee Line boom gate free by 2029 – a year ahead of schedule.
Locals can view the designs and have their say at engage.vic.gov.au/project/lxrp-anderson-street.
Quote attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
“This project will improve safety, cut congestion and bring us closer to a boom gate free Werribee Line.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“These designs reflect what the community has asked for – safer and better connections and more open space in the heart of Yarraville.”