A NEW overpass to facilitate pedestrian and cyclist movement through Mordialloc is in the works.
Movement through the railway precinct was cut off last year when the Level Crossing Removal Project closed the Mordialloc Stabling Yard underpass in August. The closure sparked community backlash, with a petition opposing the decision amassing around 3000 signatures.
At the most recent ordinary Kingston Council meeting, council officers noted that the Victorian Government had offered to co-fund a shared user cycling/pedestrian overpass across Nepean Highway in Mordialloc via a $7.5 million funding contribution. Officers recommended that councillors “acknowledge Level Crossing Removal Project and ministerial advice that direct replacement of the underpass will not occur due to complex land management, engineering and budget considerations and is outside of its project scope; and no longer advocate for direct replacement of the underpass but pursue upgraded alternative routes and funding with state government departments and agencies for local pedestrian and bike connection within the wider Mordialloc precinct.”
The officers’ recommendation was rejected by Crs Tess Law, Chris Hill, Tony Athanasopoulos, Kirralee Ashworth-Collett, Chris Howe, and Hadi Saab – an amended proposal to “continue to advocate for the direct replacement of the underpass, and pursue upgraded alternative routes and funding for local pedestrian and bike connections within the wider Mordialloc Station precinct including advocacy for Attenborough Park and Aspendale North Level Crossing Removal Project shared user path connections” was then approved.
Later in the evening, councillors approved a proposal from Cr Law to consider the development of a masterplan for shared user paths alongside the Mordialloc Creek connecting the new Mordi Aquatic Centre and Mordialloc foreshore. The proposed paths would act as an alternative to the permanently closed underpass.
Cr Law asked for council officers to prepare a report investigating the development of a masterplan. Officers were asked to “ensure the masterplan includes a detailed plan to replace the Mordialloc creek northern underpass with a shared user path running alongside the Mordialloc Creek and connecting to the Bay Trail at Hazel Pierce Reserve and the Longbeach Trail at Attenborough Park.”
In her rationale for the shared user path masterplan proposal, Cr Law said “as of this week, over 3000 people have signed a petition calling for the replacement of the Mordialloc Creek underpass, with comments from residents across Mordialloc, Aspendale, Parkdale, Mentone and surrounds and cycling enthusiasts across south-east Melbourne. This masterplan is the next step in listening to their voices and progressing toward a sustainable, inclusive transport future.”
“A masterplan for shared user paths along Mordialloc Creek will increase passive recreation, walking, cycling, scooting, and be a safer dedicated thoroughfare to access the new Mordi Aquatic Centre, Mordialloc Creek and the foreshore without having to cross the busy Nepean Highway, Governor Road and Park Street,” Cr Law said. “While council may not be responsible for all elements of this infrastructure, we are responsible for listening to our community and leading with vision.”
Other proposed masterplan measures were raised in the meeting but voted down. They included “ensuring the masterplan gives consideration to high-quality, safe and accessible links across Mordialloc Creek into Aspendale, including integration with the Aspendale Station Level Crossing Removal Project, with the objective of achieving a continuous, legible and fully accessible share user connection between Mordialloc and Aspendale that strengthens pedestrian and cycling permeability, supports mode shift, and enhances connectivity to the Mordi Aquatic Centre and key community, business, transport and foreshore destinations”, and “exploring a long-term investment strategy in our 10-year capital works program to contribute $5 million for the underpass replacement.”
Kingston Council slammed the underpass closure at the time – Kingston mayor Georigna Oxley said last August “we’ve been raising this issue for more than 12 months and while we remain open to collaboration with LXRP and the Victorian Government, we need urgent action. The alternative 800m route through local streets is simply not a genuine permanent solution. The community needs a direct and safe alternative.” Level Crossing Removal Project CEO Matthew Gault said “closing the underpass is necessary to keep trains running on the Frankston Line and delivering a safer, more accessible Mordialloc Station.” (“Residents rally against underpass closure” The News, 27/8/2025)
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone – 11 March 2026