SAFETY concerns have been raised about traffic chaos near Aspendale train station since a level crossing closure linked to a major state government infrastructure project left local roads gridlocked during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Station St was permanently closed at the level crossing on 30 April as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project’s works, with crews undertaking a three-week construction blitz to complete two new rail bridges at McDonald St, Mordialloc and Station St, Aspendale, and a new elevated Mordialloc Station.
Ann-Marie Hermans MLC, Liberal Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region, contacted The News after visiting Aspendale near the station with Brad Rowswell MP, Shadow Minister for Education and Member for Sandringham.
“I have had numerous calls, complaints and concerns raised by locals about the lack of safety on the roads and foot traffic for school students with the level crossing removal project in Aspendale,” Hermans said.
“I understand it was an absolute disaster during school drop off and pick up times after the State Government removed access to Aspendale North.
“No work happened when the traffic diminished in the school holidays but as soon as school went back, they decide to block the road and cause significant safety issues and traffic hazards.”
Hermans said parents had voiced fears there may be a fatality, with a couple of primary schools, Mordialloc Secondary College, and Yarrabah Special School nearby and traffic gridlocked with frustrated drivers.
She said one local had told her a 12-minute walk had become a 40-minute drive on the morning of the closure, with people running late for work and school and taking risks.
“I’ve been told that children with disabilities were finding it challenging to get to school safely and parents say children and students were nearly hit by passing cars,” she said.
“These projects are poorly planned but costing tax payers billions.”
Labor Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson visited the site on 1 May and posted a video update to social media, asking locals who did not need to travel to Aspendale to instead use Wells Rd, the Mordialloc Freeway or Nepean Hwy and leave local roads to Aspendale residents.
“Thanks for your patience. It’s 20 days that we have these occupation works,” Richardson said. “Take your time this morning. Hope you’re doing all right, and stay in touch with my team as we monitor these circumstances and get through these works together.”
Tim Richardson MP was contacted for comment but did not respond by publication deadline.
The new Mordialloc Station and link road are due to open on 21 May, with the LXRP urging residents to continue monitoring updates from the project team while works are completed.
Level Crossing Removal Project Program Director, Antonia Buckland, said crews were working around the clock to remove two dangerous and congested level crossings and finish building the new Mordialloc Station, along with a new road connection to ease congestion through the area.
“Around 26,000 vehicles travel through these crossings each day, with boom gates down for up to 40 minutes in the morning peak and 33 trains running during that same period, so removing these crossings will significantly improve safety and reduce congestion for local residents, students and road users,” Buckland said.
“The project team engaged with local schools and council ahead of the works, and we thank people for their patience while we complete this crucial project.”
Sandringham MP Brad Rowswell said the works should have been better planned around the school community. “If the Allan Labor Government and the Member for Mordialloc had spent more time consulting with local families instead of imposing decisions on the community, we would not be in this position,” he said.
According to the LXRP, traffic controllers are in place at the intersection of Nepean Hwy and Groves St during the morning peak to manage higher traffic volumes and assist pedestrians, with the project working with the Department of Transport and Planning to monitor traffic and adjust traffic light sequencing during peak periods.
The project has also worked with Kingston City Council and local schools, including Yarrabah School and a nearby childcare centre, to advise of the temporary disruptions. A new turning circle is to be built at the end of Station St near Mordialloc College to allow cars to turn around safely during school pick-up and drop-off, along with 30 new car spaces.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc News – 20 May 2026
