Sky rail structures are the ‘preferred’ option at Spotswood and Newport

The Andrews government’s announcement of more elevated rail bridges and road closures in Melbourne’s west has sparked backlash.

Suburban sky trains are coming to Melbourne’s west as part of the state’s level crossing removal program reshaping the city.

A series of new elevated rail bridges and road closures has been revealed following engineering assessments for how to get rid of all Werribee rail line level crossings by 2030.

Sky rail structures are the “preferred” option at Spotswood and at Newport, while Champion Rd in Newport will be closed at the rail line and traffic diverted more than half a kilometre away.

The redrawing of the rail line will also see Andersons Rd, which leads into Yarraville’s village precinct, closed to traffic – a move welcomed by the local council.

The state government is aiming to get rid of all Werribee rail line level crossings by 2030. Picture: David Crosling

Most of the planned changes and closures have sparked debate among residents, traders, and councils, with some Spotswood locals concerned about trucks in local streets and radical changes to the neighbourhood character.

Residents group Better West said changes announced close to November’s state poll reeked of “electioneering” aimed at Werribee voters, and the priority should be on other long term projects like a second Metro tunnel and the Sunshine rail hub.

“The proposal of a short sky bridge and new stations has not been received seriously,” spokeswoman Rosa McKenna said.

“Removal of the level crossing will only make traffic and use of trucks on Hudsons Rd much worse.”

There are concerns the sky rail plans will change the character of some neighbourhoods. Picture: Tony Gough

Concerns about the steep incline from Yarraville to Spotswood has also been raised, with trains on elevated tracks having to get under the West Gate Bridge shortly after Spotswood.

Level Crossing Removal chief executive Kevin Devlin said early engineering assessments showed the best option at Hudsons Rd in Spotswood was to build an elevated rail bridge, however, as well as a new Spotswood Station.

“We’ve started planning on these level crossing removals and will continue further development and design work, and community consultation, as the projects progress,” he said.

The Spotswood Traders Association said the group would “look forward to proper stakeholder engagement with all levels of government and relevant authorities”.

Mr Devlin said making the Werribee line level crossing free by 2030 paved the way for more train services.

The closure of Champion Rd at Newport will divert motorists to Maddox Rd, where an elevated rail bridge will be built.

Hobsons Bay Mayor Tony Briffa said the community had concerns about the road closure and had raised it with the government.

A concept design of a sky rail structure.

She said people had taken issue with the original designs of level crossing removals in Williamstown North and Laverton, but they had been changed following consultation.

“There will be plenty of time to get this right,” she said.

At Anderson St in Yarraville, which is the gateway to a local ‘village’ of shops, residents and traders have been told a new “architecturally designed underpass” will be built for pedestrians and that there will be enhancements to the precinct.

This could include alfresco dining and more vegetation.

Maribyrnong Council has said it welcomes the decision “to close the level crossing and replace it with a wide and well-lit underpass, to keep our residents safe as they move around the precinct”.