The Allan Labor Government is delivering major transport upgrades in Melbourne's west, boosting capacity, improving reliability and making it easier for locals to get where they need to go.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams today announced train services in Melbourne's west will receive a huge boost, with a 14-day construction blitz kicking off this weekend to upgrade the Melton Line, build two brand-new stations and remove four more dangerous and congested level crossings.
From tomorrow evening, crews will work around the clock to build the new West Tarneit Station, completing critical drilling under the rail line and constructing the platforms and station canopies.
West Tarneit Station will open to passengers 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 of Southern Cross Station - making it easier and safer for locals to connect to public transport.
During the construction blitz, crews will also complete works to extend platforms at Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations as part of the Melton Line Upgrade, enabling longer nine-car VLocity trains to run on the line from 2027 and boosting passenger capacity by 50 per cent on peak services.
Signalling works will also be carried out for the new Cobblebank stabling yard, which is being built to house the longer nine-car trains and future proofed for Melton line electrification.
Works are continuing to remove four dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne's west, including building two new rail bridges at Coburns and Exford roads in Melton, and new road bridges at Ferris Road, Melton, and Hopkins Road, 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.
All works have been carefully planned and coordinated to minimise passenger disruption, with coaches and buses replacing trains on sections of the Geelong and Ballarat lines from 8.00pm Saturday, 10 January until last service Friday, 23 January.
Passengers should allow extra travel time and visit the Transport Victoria website for more information on changes to services on the Warrnambool and Geelong lines, and the Ararat, Maryborough and Ballarat lines in January.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
"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."
"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."
As stated by Member for Tarneit Dylan Wight
"The new West Tarneit Station will ease the pressure on Tarneit Station and provide more transport options for locals in the west."
As stated by Member for Melton Steve McGhie
"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."
As stated by Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
"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."
