More trains will soon be running more often on the Hurstbridge Line in Victoria as works to duplicate the tracks are set to begin next month along with the construction of two new stations.
From mid-March, crews will begin construction on the new stations at Greensborough and Montmorency as well as undertake works to complete the duplication of about 3.5 kilometres of track as part of the Husrtbridge Line Duplication project.
“We’re getting on with delivering more trains more often, Residents in Melbourn’s north-east can look forward to a new timetable and more services than ever before by the middle of the year.
“This is the final push to complete the track duplication on the Hurstbridge Line and build new modern stations at Greensborough and Montmorency – which will mean a better experience for passengers right along the line,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
This project will allow more trains to run more often on the Hurstbridge Line between Greensborough and Montmorency, and between Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen. Duplicating the tracks will also enable trains to pass each other along the line, which will ultimately result in increased reliability for passengers.
Once construction is completed, the line will see trains run every seven minutes from Greensborough, 10 minutes from Montmorency and Eltham, and 10 minutes from Diamond Creek, Wattle Glen and Hurstbridge during the morning peak time – with two more morning peak services will also be available from Hurstbridge.
“We’ll soon see the benefits of the Hurstbridge Line Duplication and with Melbourne’s north-east growing rapidly, delivering more train services and less crowding on peak services can’t come soon enough,” Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks said.
At Greensborough and Montmorency, the new modern stations will feature better passenger facilities such as improved weather protection, safer connections to the surrounding areas as well as improved all abilities access.
A new walking and cycling path will also be constructed between the two new stations by the end of 2023. This new path will make it easier for Victorians to commute and exercise, and it will connect to the Plenty River trail via a new signalised pedestrian crossing.
“We’d like to thank people for their patience while we continue the work to deliver better services and modern new stations at Montmorency and Greensborough,” Member for Eltham Vicki Ward said.
Other works to be delivered will include upgrades to Platform 2 at Diamond Creek Station along with the construction of a new signalised pedestrian crossing behind Diamond Valley College to allow the school community to cross the rail corridor safely.
From 16 March to 30 April, track duplication and signalling works are going to be carried out. Buses will replace train services during this time at sections of the Hurstbridge Line and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.
Buses will also be replacing trains on parts of the Hurstbridge Line from 3 to 7 March as works to upgrade tracks, signalling and equipment get underway to prepare for the future extension of the rail tunnel under Greensborough Highway – which is delivered as part of the North East Link Program.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build – Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2)