Construction is now underway on a new train stabling yard at Cobblebank as part of the Albanese and Allan Labor governments' Melton Line Upgrade, which will deliver better and more comfortable journeys for passengers in Melbourne's growing west.
The yard will enable nine-car VLocity trains to run on the line from 2027 - one year ahead of schedule.
Nine-car trains will boost passenger capacity by 50 per cent on peak services.
The yard will be located east of Melton Station with a direct connection to the line to allow trains to be ready for first services to Southern Cross. This will allow high-capacity Metro trains to run on the Melton Line for the first time.
Final designs have been released for the new yard, which is future-proofed to support the future Melton Line electrification. It will feature dedicated facilities and parking for workers, CCTV, a solar system, and new landscaping with native trees and plants.
As part of the project, works to build extended platforms at Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations have already been complete, while platforms at Rockbank and Cobblebank stations will be extended later this year.
The $650 million Melton Line Upgrade is jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Labor governments.
The Allan Labor Government is also funding a new modern and accessible Melton Station, which will open later this year with four platforms to support more services. The Victorian Government is also removing four level crossings at Coburns, Exford and Ferris roads in Melton, and Hopkins Road in Truganina.
These significant works in Melbourne's west will make journeys safer and reduce congestion on local roads for the 73,000 vehicles that travel through these crossings every day.
Works are also continuing on Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 to upgrade more than six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion as the critical enabler of a rail link to Melbourne Airport and Melton Line electrification.
This project will transform Sunshine into a major transport superhub to make space for 1,000 train services a day. Together, these projects will deliver better connections for communities in Melbourne's west.
Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Melton Line Upgrade will boost capacity and make journeys smoother and more reliable for people in Melbourne's west."
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams:
"These upgrades will deliver better and more comfortable journeys for passengers on the Melton Line, delivering longer trains and upgraded infrastructure for these growing communities."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae:
"This is about giving locals more room on trains and a more reliable trip, especially during the busiest times of day."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Gorton Alice Jordan-Baird:
"We're investing in the infrastructure that growing communities in the west need now and into the future."
Quote attributable to State Member for Melton Steve McGhie:
"From a new station to level crossing removals, these upgrades are transforming how people move around Melton."
Quote attributable to State Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch:
"These improvements will help keep people moving, with better connections right across the west."
