Making Melton level crossing free in 2026

The Victorian Government has fast-tracked the Melton level crossing removal project, with boom gates going 2 years ahead of schedule in 2026.

We’re removing 4 dangerous and congested level crossings at Coburns, Exford and Ferris roads in Melton, and Hopkins Road in Truganina, to make Melton boom gate free.

We’re also building a new, accessible Melton Station for one of the fastest growing communities in Australia. With modern and improved facilities, we’ll create a safer station precinct for passengers.

Engineering assessments and site investigations over the last 12 months have confirmed:

• We're removing Coburns Road and Exford Road level crossings by building rail bridges over the roads
• We're removing Ferris Road and Hopkins Road level crossings by building road bridges over the rail line.

With these level crossings gone, journeys will be faster and more reliable for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bike riders.

Removing these crossings will also pave the way for more train services to Melton than ever before as part of the Melton Line Upgrade.

Construction will start next year with boom gates gone and the new Melton Station open in 2026.

Why these level crossings need to go

• Approximately 73,000 vehicles travel through these crossings each day
• Boom gates are down for up to 28 minutes during the morning peak (7am to 9am)
• Up to 16 trains travel through these crossings during the morning peak (7am to 9am)

Road bridges at Ferris and Hopkins roads

We looked at a range of solutions to remove the level crossings at Ferris and Hopkins roads. Technical, environmental and community considerations show that road bridges are the best fit for the local area.

We can build the new road bridges alongside the existing roads to help minimise road and rail disruptions.

It also provides the opportunity to enhance the local area, with community input to shape the look and feel of the new road bridges and landscaping.

Better connections around the local area

A road bridge ensures local streets and paths are connected. We're also investigating opportunities for new walking and bike paths.

We'll create safer connections to the Western Freeway, newly built residential areas, shops and Cobblebank Station.

The design also allows for future road or rail upgrades to support population growth with minimal disruption to the community.

Benefits of road bridges

• Minimises disruptions during construction
• Better connections to the Western Freeway
• Future proofed to support population growth
• Landscaping opportunities

Rail bridges over Coburns and Exford roads

We're removing level crossings at Coburns and Exford roads by building rail bridges over the roads. We’ll also build a new, accessible Melton Station with modern facilities for the community.

In 2022, we’d proposed to remove these crossings by building a rail trench.

Further engineering assessments and site investigations have since determined elevating the rail line over the roads will deliver the best outcome for the Melton community.

Why rail bridges are the best design

Building rail bridges over the roads will mean less disruptions to train services and roads during construction.

Passengers can look forward to a modern Melton Station, with more lighting and surveillance to create a safer station precinct and better connections between bus and train services.

Community consultation, along with technical and engineering requirements, will inform designs of the station precinct.

Benefits of rail bridges

• Improved local connections and station precinct
• A better passenger experience
• More trees and vegetation retained
• Less impacts during construction

We want to hear from you

Help us achieve the best outcome for your community by sharing what you love about Melton and how you move around the area.

Your feedback, along with technical and engineering requirements, will help shape the project’s concept designs.

Visit Engage Victoria by 11.59pm, Friday 22 December.

If you would like a form sent to you, please call us on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Planning approval

Planning approval for the Ferris Road, Melton and Hopkins Road, Truganina projects will proceed under Clause 52.03 – Level Crossing Removal Project of the Melton Planning Scheme.

The Level Crossing Removal Project is seeking community input on a range of planning matters, including:

• project boundary
• construction-related impacts
• environmental impacts
• amenity impacts
• native vegetation
• heritage.

Visit Engage Victoria to make a submission by 11.59pm, Friday 22 December.

If you would like a form sent to you, please call us on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

All submissions received will be included in a consultation summary report which will inform the Minister for Planning’s assessment of the project.

Planning approval consultation for the Coburns and Exford roads and new Melton Station will be held early next year.

Get involved

Join our information sessions to learn more about the project and ask questions. Register at Engage Victoria.

Online via Zoom

• Tuesday 5 December, 7pm to 8pm

In person

• Wednesday 6 December, 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the Melton Community Hall

Upgrading the Melton Line

The $650 million Melton Line Upgrade will allow bigger and better new trains to run, increasing train capacity by up to 50%.

Platform extensions, station upgrades and additional train stabling will enable the introduction of 9 car VLocity trains by 2028.

Running longer, 9 car trains will reduce crowding on busy services, providing passengers in Melbourne's booming west with more comfortable and reliable services.