Train services in Melbourne’s west are set for a major upgrade as a 14-day construction blitz is scheduled to deliver new stations, longer trains and safer level crossings.
The Victorian Government announced works will get underway to upgrade the Melton Line, build two new stations and remove four level crossings to boost capacity, improve reliability and support the region’s rapid growth.
From 10 January, crews will work around the clock to build the new West Tarneit Station, completing critical drilling under the rail line and constructing platforms and station canopies.
West Tarneit Station is due to open on the Geelong Line later this year and will include two platforms, an accessible underpass, a four-bay bus interchange and a 400-space car park.
The new station will ease pressure on nearby Tarneit Station — the busiest station on the regional network outside Southern Cross Station — making it easier and safer for locals to connect to public transport.
During the construction blitz, crews will also extend platforms at Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations as part of the Melton Line Upgrade, enabling longer nine-car VLocity trains to run from 2027 and boosting peak-hour passenger capacity by 50 per cent.
Signalling works will also be carried out for the new Cobblebank stabling yard, which is being built to house the longer trains and future-proof the corridor for Melton Line electrification.
Works will continue to remove four dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne’s west, including new rail bridges at Coburns Road and Exford Road in Melton, and new road bridges at Ferris Road in Melton and Hopkins Road in Truganina.
The level crossings will be removed and a new modern and accessible Melton Station will open later this year, improving access to train services and easing congestion on surrounding roads.
Coaches and buses will replace trains on sections of the Geelong and Ballarat lines from 8.00 pm on 10 January until last service on 23 January, while works are carried out.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, said the upgrades would deliver significant improvements for the west.
“Building a new West Tarneit Station and upgrading the Melton Line to allow longer nine-car trains will deliver huge improvements to transport services for people in Melbourne’s booming west,” Williams said.
“We thank passengers for their patience while these critical works take place and ask that you plan your journeys ahead of time. Replacement coaches and buses will be operating to minimise disruption and ensure you can still get to where you need to go.”
Member for Tarneit, Dylan Wight, said the new station would provide more options for locals.
“The new West Tarneit Station will ease the pressure on Tarneit Station and provide more transport options for locals in the west,” Wight said.
Member for Melton, Steve McGhie, said the upgrades would be transformative.
“Delivering a new Melton Station and upgrading the Melton Line to boost passenger capacity by 50 per cent will be a game changer for locals, making it easier to access public transport,” McGhie said.
Member for Kororoit, Luba Grigorovitch, said passengers would see lasting benefits.
“Passengers in Melbourne’s western suburbs will see real benefits from the Melton Line Upgrade, with more capacity, improved stations and better connections to jobs, education and services,” Grigorovitch said.
