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Altona Transport Works: Tracing the Path to Current Road and Rail Changes
Construction to remove the Maidstone Street level crossing has produced extended single-track rail operations and road closures that continue into 2027.
How we reported this
Altona residents have faced altered rail and road access for months because of the Maidstone Street level crossing removal project. The works replaced the crossing with a new road bridge and produced single-track train operations between Newport and Laverton from November 2024 until late April 2026, forcing all city-bound trains to bypass Altona station during that period.
Project Origins and Rail Context
Altona sits on the Werribee line’s Altona Loop, served by Altona and Westona stations. Early morning, late night and weekend services continue to use the loop. The level crossing removal forms part of broader efforts to separate road and rail at Maidstone Street, a change that required temporary single-track running to allow bridge construction.
Bus Network as Daily Alternative
Local bus routes provide connections while rail patterns remain restricted. Routes 411 and 412 run at 20-minute frequency on weekdays, the 903 Smartbus terminates at Altona, and route 415 operates on weekdays and Saturdays only. These services run alongside the Werribee line tracks and the former Mobil Altona Oil Refinery site, which ExxonMobil confirmed for permanent closure in February 2021 and is now being converted into a fuel import facility.
Road Restrictions and Extended Timeline
Ajax Road at the Maidstone Street intersection has been closed since November 2024 and remains closed until mid-2027. During this period drivers encounter temporary traffic lights and reduced speed limits on Maidstone Street. The closure timeline extends well beyond the rail single-track phase that ended in late April 2026, reflecting the staged nature of the bridge and intersection works.
Travel patterns in Altona have been shaped by these successive construction stages rather than by any single event. Motorists and rail users continue to adjust to the remaining road restrictions and the permanent change from the level crossing removal. Commuters are advised to check current timetables and traffic alerts before travel, as conditions on Maidstone Street and the Werribee line will remain altered until the project reaches completion in mid-2027.