Works have kicked off to remove four dangerous and congested level crossings on the Melton Line as well as to build a new Melton Station.
Crews have mobilised to the four project sites in Melton and Truganina, with temporary fencing and barriers already set up around the project areas to keep workers safe.
Meanwhile, track works have been completed and coaches have replaced trains earlier this month. These works will continue ahead of piling and major earthworks.
“We are getting on with building a massive package of works across Melbourne’s west – cutting congestion for motorists and delivering better and more reliable transport connections for passengers,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said.
To replace the level crossings, new rail bridges are going to be built over Coburns Road and Exford Road in Melton while new road bridges will be constructed over Ferris Road in Melton and Hopkins Road in Truganina.
The new Melton Station will feature four platforms that can accommodate Ballarat train services and provide dedicated platforms for services that begin and end at Melton.
The four dangerous and congested level crossings will be gone for good and the new Melton Station will open in 2026, two years ahead of schedule.
“Removing the level crossing at Hopkins Road, Truganina will improve safety for local drivers and ensure no one gets stuck at these frustrating boom gates again and it’s fantastic to see works are now taking place,” Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch said.
In addition, a new stabling yard is set to be built at Cobblebank to house the new trains. Early site investigations will soon get underway for this project.
The Victorian Government is removing 110 level crossings across Melbourne by 2030, with about 84 already gone for good.
The State Government is also building 23new VLocity trains in Dandenong to help increase capacity in Melton – with six new trains already operational on the network.
“Shovels are in the ground on the transformational level crossing removal project in Melton, which will help deliver improved public transport and better liveability for Melton locals,” Member for Melton Steve McGhie said.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build – Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine