Thursday, 19 March 2026

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (09:59): I rise to update the house on the important progress being made on the Webster Street level crossing removal project in Dandenong, a project that is already delivering very real and meaningful benefits for my community. With the boom gates removed in December last year, the Cranbourne and Pakenham line to the Sunbury corridor is now completely level crossing free alongside the Metro Tunnel, unlocking turn-up-and-go services along that corridor. Accessing public transport is easier than ever for passengers in my community. It means more trains, more often, shorter waits on platforms and of course a smoother trip to work, study or home with even more connections to some of this state’s brilliant health and education opportunities. For road users, though, the benefits will also be really significant. The new road underpass connecting Lonsdale Street with Cheltenham Road and Hammond Road is taking shape. When completed later this year, this is going to save over an hour of boom gate down time in the morning peak and will improve travel times for up to 10,000 ‍drivers each weekday. Big congratulations to the team working on this project. They are powering ahead, and this is going to be a great win for my local community.