Longer 9-car VLocity trains will be able to run on the Melton Line next year, one year ahead of schedule. Running longer trains will boost passenger capacity by 50% during peak services.

Final designs have been released of the new Cobblebank train stabling yard which will house the new trains and be future proofed to stable Metro trains when the Melton Line is electrified.

The new yard, 700m east of the new Melton Station, will enable trains to be at Melton, ready for first services to the CBD.

To enable the 9-car trains running between Melton and Southern Cross, the new, modern and accessible Melton Station will open with longer platforms to accommodate 9-car VLocity trains.

To allow the longer trains to stop at some of the busiest stations on the line, we’ve extended the platforms at Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations with the platforms at Rockbank and Cobblebank stations being extended later this year.

Early works at the Cobblebank train stabling yard are underway.

Construction will start in the coming months and the yard will open ready for 9-car VLocity trains next year.

Project benefits

• Longer 9-car VLocity trains will be able to run on the Melton Line next year
• Increasing passenger capacity by 50%
• 9-car VLocity trains servicing Melton, Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park and Southern Cross stations
• New Victorian-built VLocity fleet

What to expect during construction

To build the new stabling yard, we need to complete earthworks for the foundations of the yard and to install the stabling tracks.

We’ll also need to install underground electrical and train signalling services, as well as install the staff and utility buildings.

The majority of construction activity will occur onsite, reducing impacts to the local community.

At times there may be minor traffic impacts on Abey Road and surrounding streets as construction equipment and materials are transported to and from the site.

Nearby residents and businesses in Cobblebank may be impacted by noise, vibration, and dust during construction.

Where possible, we’ll minimise the construction impacts and implement appropriate mitigation measures such as, reducing the speed of construction vehicles, offering respite and relocation to residents during noisy night works and using water trucks to regularly wet down the site to minimise dust.

To minimise impacts to passengers on the Melton Line we're working with the Melton level crossing removal team to align works.

We'll also provide more information well in advance of our works so you can plan ahead.

About the Cobblebank train stabling yard

The new 9-car VLocity trains will be stabled and cleaned internally at the new stabling yard, ready to begin services the next day.

The yard will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the Abey Road location selected due to its close proximity to the new Melton Station and the Melton Line.

The stabling yard will be future proofed to stable Metro trains when the Melton Line is electrified.

Once the Melton Line is electrified, the new yard will enable Metro trains to be at Melton Station, ready for first services to the CBD.

The location also reduces the need for new train tracks and other disruptive works.

Key features of the yard:

• Stabling for six 9-car VLocity trains and future proofed for Metro trains
• Vehicle access off Abey Road
• Landscaping around perimeter of 300 native trees and 20,000 native shrubs, grasses and groundcovers to screen the yard and to provide additional security
• Signalling and communication systems, including a train radio tower
• Water retention basin
• Parking for workers and train drivers
• CCTV and directional lighting to minimise light spill
• Connection to the Melton Line
• A 46kW solar system made up of 110 solar panels
• Energy and water efficient air conditioning units and appliances
• Sustainable concrete mixes, recycled plastic aggregates and reclaimed timber furniture

The new Victorian-built VLocity fleet will service Melton, Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs, Deer Park and Southern Cross stations.

Before extending the platforms at Cobblebank and Rockbank stations, we’re undertaking construction site establishment works within the rail corridor and station precincts until August.

Project timeline

2022

• Project announced

2024

• Cobblebank train stabling yard announced
• Community engagement

2025

• Site investigations
• Melton Line Upgrade fast-tracked
• Cobblebank train stabling yard planning approvals consultation

2026

• Construction starts on Cobblebank train stabling yard and platform extensions
• New Melton Station opens

2027

• Construction continues
• New Cobblebank train stabling yard open
• 9-car VLocity trains run on the Melton Line and platform extensions complete

* Timeline subject to change.