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Construction and Service Limits Shape Altona Travel Patterns
Residents navigate altered rail stops, bus frequencies and road closures that increase dependence on private vehicles and create daily congestion.
How we reported this
The Maidstone Street level crossing removal project has closed Ajax Road at the intersection since November 2025 and will keep it closed until mid-2027 while a new road bridge is built. During the major construction phase from November 2025 to April 2026 the Werribee line runs on a single track between Newport and Laverton, and city-bound trains skip Altona Station entirely.
Rail and Bus Network Details
Altona is served by two stations on the Werribee line: the main loop station at Altona and Westona station. Trains run every 20 minutes throughout the day. Bus routes include 411 and 412 between Laverton and Footscray at 20-minute frequency on weekdays, route 903 Smartbus from Altona to Mordialloc, and route 415 between Laverton and Williamstown on days other than Sunday.
Why These Changes Matter Locally
Altona has a heavy reliance on private vehicles because of road network limitations. This produces daily traffic congestion and inconvenient travel routes that combine rail, bus and car trips. When Altona Station is bypassed for city-bound passengers and Ajax Road remains closed, residents must adjust journeys that previously used the station or the crossing, adding time and complexity to routine travel.
Evidence from Current Works
The single-track operation and skipped stops are scheduled for the November 2025 to April 2026 window, while the Ajax Road closure extends to mid-2027. These dated restrictions coincide with the existing pattern of every-20-minute train services and weekday bus frequencies already in place.
Residents can check the listed bus routes and Werribee line timetables for current stop information and consider alternative stations such as Westona during the single-track period. Planning around the known closure dates for Ajax Road and the rail changes allows commuters to identify workable options without relying on additional road capacity that remains limited.