Partnering for Progress at Diggers Rest: Smarter Supply, Stronger Outcomes

The removal of the level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watson Road in Diggers Rest has transformed a key transport link in Melbourne’s outer northwest, improving safety, easing congestion and supporting a fast growing community.

Delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), the upgrade replaced two level crossings with new road bridges, improving connections between Diggers Rest, Sunbury and surrounding suburbs and helping future proof one of Melbourne’s fastest expanding corridors.

InfraBuild Reinforcing partnered with Civil Infrastructure Group to support the delivery of reinforcement across key structures on the project, contributing both to the physical build and to how the project was delivered.

A smarter way to deliver steel

Diggers Rest was not just a construction project. It also became the pilot site for an industry first initiative to digitise the reinforced steel supply chain, led by the Level Crossing Removal Project, GS1 Australia and project partners including InfraBuild Reinforcing.

As the primary steel supplier, InfraBuild trialled the use of:

• Digital delivery dockets and invoices
• Improved site to office tracking for steel deliveries

This created a more connected and transparent way to manage materials, improving accuracy, reducing manual handling and supporting better coordination between site and office teams.

By helping lead this trial, InfraBuild contributed to a smarter approach to supply that reduces errors, minimises waste and limits contract disputes.

“Being part of the Diggers Rest pilot allowed us to demonstrate what a connected supply chain could look like, one where material traceability, document accuracy and on-site efficiency all improve through better data sharing. It’s a strong step forward for the entire industry.”
 — David McNeil, Customer Experience Manager, InfraBuild

Local steel, delivered with certainty

InfraBuild Reinforcing supplied a total of 478 tonnes of reinforcement to the project, including:

• 415 tonnes of loose bar
• 63 tonnes of prefabricated cages
• An additional 25 tonnes scheduled for final delivery

All steel was 100% manufactured locally, supporting Australian industry and meeting project requirements for local content.

At peak construction, up to two truckloads per day were delivered to align with critical build windows, helping keep the program on track and avoid delays.

Faster installation through prefabrication

Prefabricated pier columns were manufactured at InfraBuild Reinforcing’s Sunshine facility in Victoria and delivered directly to site, reducing on-site labour and improving installation speed.

This approach allowed reinforcement to arrive ready for installation, improving safety and helping maintain momentum during key construction phases.

“Working closely with the delivery teams on Diggers Rest, our focus was on removing friction from site operations. Through consistent scheduling, prefabrication support and daily coordination, we helped keep the project moving at pace while ensuring quality and compliance every step of the way.”
 — Ricardo Angola, Project Manager, InfraBuild Reinforcing

Working through complexity

Like any major infrastructure project, Diggers Rest presented challenges, including compressed timelines and complex reinforcement requirements.

Working closely with the builder and design teams, InfraBuild provided:

• Experienced detailing support to resolve complex drawings, queries and RFIs, improving reinforcement layouts and speeding up approvals
• Just in time delivery coordination aligned to site needs
• Prefabrication solutions with strict lifting specifications, reducing congestion and labour time on site

Productivity that drives better outcomes

By improving how materials, data and schedules were managed across the project, the team reduced rework, minimised steel waste and shortened construction time.

These productivity gains also support better environmental outcomes, with fewer delays, less waste and more efficient use of materials.

A stronger future, built together

The successful removal of the Diggers Rest level crossings shows what can be achieved through strong partnerships, practical solutions and Australian made steel.

By combining local manufacturing, prefabrication and a more connected supply approach, InfraBuild Reinforcing helped deliver both the infrastructure and a better way of working for future projects.

For more information on how we can support your project goals, get in touch with our team.