The second stage of the Hurstbridge Line Duplication will deliver further improvements, including more train services, less crowding on peak trains and better connections to public transport in Melbourne's north east.

Works include building new modern stations at Greensborough and Montmorency, and duplicating the rail track between Greensborough and Montmorency and between Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen, to allow more trains to run more often.

Thanks for your patience while buses replaced trains on the Hurstbridge Line and overnight works took place along the railway in Diamond Creek in late April.

More trains, more often

On average, trains will run every:

• 7 minutes from Greensborough
• 10 minutes from Montmorency and Eltham
• 20 minutes from Diamond Creek, Wattle Glen and Hurstbridge

Montmorency Station entrance. Artist impression only – subject to change

Trees retained on Station Road and local park improvements

Following feedback from the community, we’ve revised the initial designs for the new Montmorency Station.

By revising our car parking designs we are retaining 33 more trees in the project area on Station Road. We're still delivering 151 car spaces at Montmorency Station as part of the project – 30 more than the existing commuter car spaces at the station.

We're also delivering improvements to two local parks in partnership with Banyule City Council.

The project will deliver a wheelchair accessible playground at E.J. Andrews Reserve in Briar Hill.

In line with the masterplan for Petrie Park, Montmorency, we will also deliver improvements including a playground for people of all ages and abilities.

Park improvements will commence next year and are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

New shared walking and cycling path

In the recent State budget, the Victorian Government announced funding for a new walking and cycling path.

The State budget also provided funding for planning of Stage 2 of the path between Montmorency and Eltham.

Stage 1 of the path will be built between Greensborough and Montmorency stations and provide safe and easy access between the two stations, linking with the Plenty River Trail and station forecourts.

It will connect with the Plenty River Trail near Paterson Crescent in Greensborough, with a signalised pedestrian crossing ensuring pedestrians and cyclists can cross Para Road at this location safely.

We'll build the new three metre wide path on the south side of the rail line. We'll keep a half- metre clearance zone on either side of the path to ensure it is safe and easy to use.

Works on the path will start in late 2022, and we expect to have all the work finished by mid-2023.

Stage 1: Greensborough to Montmorency shared path

Laying the groundwork in Greensborough and Diamond Creek

Piling and anchoring rigs are being used to strengthen and stabilise the ground as crews prepare to install the new Plenty River rail bridge at Greensborough and build a retaining wall at Diamond Creek.

At Greensborough, we’ve also started preparation works to build the new Greensborough Station concourse, which will continue throughout 2022.

At Montmorency, we’ve started works to relocate sewerage and water services, including trenching, formation and drainage works. We are also adding and upgrading underground rail power infrastructure including locations at Petrie Park, Robert Street, Stephens Street and Mayona Road.

Works underway in Greensborough

Piling rigs at work in Diamond Creek

Supporting local traders and community

Earlier this year, we partnered with local trader associations in Greensborough, Montmorency, and Diamond Creek to support community events.

In April, we teamed up with the Montmorency Traders Association to support their local Easter egg hunt in Were Street. Kids and families took part in a range of activities from face painting to an Easter egg hunt, free goodie bags and coffees from participating traders and cafes in Monty Shopping Village, such as Espresso 3094 and The Milk Bar.

The event was completed with a visit from the Easter Bunny.

We also showed our appreciation for mums leading up to Mother’s Day in early May. We partnered with local trader associations and local cafes in the Greensborough, Montmorency and Diamond Creek area, such as Bridie's Beanery and Urban Grooves Cafe, to treat mums to a free coffee voucher on us.

Easter event at Montmorency

Planning approval survey

Information updated as of Friday 10 June 2022.

Planning approval for the walking and cycling path between Greensborough and Montmorency will proceed under Clause 52.03 – Level Crossing Removal Project of the Banyule Planning Scheme.

We are seeking community feedback on a range of planning matters, including:

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

Planning submissions can be made online at Engage Vic. Submissions can be made until 11.59pm Sunday 26 June 2022. If you would like a hard copy submission form sent to you, contact us on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

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

Greensborough Station. Artist impression only – subject to change.

Project timeline

2019

• Site investigations
• Community consultation

Early 2020

• Site investigations
• Planning consultation

2021

• Station designs released
• Construction begins

2022

• Construction continues
• Shared walking and cycling path construction starts

Mid 2023

• Construction continues
• Duplicated track complete
• New stations open
• Shared walking and cycling path construction end