Diggers Rest is about to experience a major improvement in road safety and traffic flow with the opening of a new road bridge named Golden Way, set to open on Wednesday, 18 June.
The bridge will take vehicles over the rail line at Stan Payne Reserve and connect directly to Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd, replacing the Old Calder Highway level crossing – long considered one of the area’s most dangerous and congested. Once open, the level crossing will be permanently closed, marking a significant milestone for the community.
The name Golden Way was selected following community consultation, with locals choosing it as their preferred option from a shortlist of five names reflecting the township’s rich history and unique geography. The name pays tribute to Diggers Rest’s origins in the 1850s as a key stop for gold miners heading to central Victoria’s goldfields.
The bridge features warm, natural colours designed to reflect the surrounding landscape.
As part of the final phase of works, the Old Calder Highway will be closed between the former level crossing and Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road from 18 June to 21 July to allow for the permanent closure of the rail crossing and connection works.
Meanwhile, Victoria’s Big Build states construction is progressing well on a second major upgrade at Watsons Rd, where a new road bridge over the Sunbury Line is underway. This project includes retaining walls and new approaches to eliminate the second level crossing in Diggers Rest.
Currently, more than 8,000 vehicles use the two crossings daily, with delays of up to 36 minutes caused by the 27 trains that pass through during the morning peak.
With both level crossings to be removed by the end of the year, Diggers Rest is on track to become completely level crossing-free, improving safety and travel times for drivers and pedestrians alike.
