A new road underpass in Dandenong, Victoria, will open to vehicles in late September, connecting Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads for the first time.

The underpass is being built as part of the Webster Street level crossing removal project, with the final set of boom gates on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines dismantled late last year. Prior to the crossing’s removal, more than 200 trains passed through it each day.

Since late last year, crews have been working to excavate 13 Olympic-sized swimming pools of dirt and pour more than 10,000 cubic metres of concrete to create the foundations for the underpass.

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Once completed, the road connection will reduce congestion and deliver a more reliable route to Dandenong for motorists. Drivers will be able to travel directory from Cheltenham and Hammond roads in the west to a brand-new, signalised intersection on Princes Highway–Lonsdale Street in the east.

The underpass will be built with a 5.4-metre clearance under the rail bridge to accommodate trucks and tall vehicles, diverting them from local streets and Dandenong’s Central Business District.

As part of this project, a new walking and cycling path has been constructed along Webster street, connecting to the existing Dandenong Creek Trail and providing safer pedestrian and cycling access under the rail line.