General News
18 April, 2026
Crossing upgrades commence
WORK has commenced on the upgrade of several level crossings on the passenger line between Ararat and Ballarat. Transport Minister Catherine King’s office has advised the Advocate that one crossing is complete while several others are in the planning process, with work to be completed and signed off by March 2027.
Work commenced before Christmas on the crossing on Old Shirley Road in Beaufort with the project there now complete.
A second project in Beaufort will commence shortly in Finnegan Road with work to be complete by June.
Further up the line, crossings on Challicum Road and Gravel Route Road at Buangor, Warrayatkin Road at Dobie and Greenhill Lake Road in Ararat are currently in the planning phase with work to commence later this year for completion in March 2027.
Two other crossings on the interstate freight line at Porters Bridge Road in Tatyoon and Military Bypass Road in Armstrong are also in the planning phase and due for completion in early 2027.
Ms King said the level crossing upgrades are being funded under Round 2 of the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF) which is jointly funded by both the state and federal governments.
She said in total, 32 level crossing upgrades are underway across Victoria involving the installation of boom gates, axle counters, flashing lights and signage.
“The Albanese Government is committed to improving railway crossing safety across Victoria and the country through the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund.
“This funding is supporting upgrades like boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional railway crossings.
“We will continue to work with the Victorian Government to make level crossing safer across the state,” Ms King said.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said the upgrades were all about ensuring people can come home safely.
“Country level crossings can be dangerous places for motorists, pedestrians and train drivers.
“These upgrades will make such a difference to the people who drive through these level crossings every day. I’m really proud to be delivering these upgrades in partnership with the Albanese Government,” Ms Haylett said.