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.

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

Nine-car VLocity trains running from Wyndham Vale will start servicing Deer Park Station this spring.

To support the 9-car trains running between Melton and Southern Cross, the new Melton Station opened on Tuesday 1 September with 2 of the 4 platforms built to accommodate longer trains.

We’re also building a new train stabling yard in Cobblebank, approximately 700m from the new Melton Station, to enable trains to be at Melton Station ready for first services to the city.

The Cobblebank train stabling yard will be future proofed for Metro trains when the Melton Line is electrified.

As with any major construction, these works can result in noise and vibration and create dust, which we'll always seek to minimise where possible.

The intensity of the noise and vibrations depends on the ground conditions and distance between your property and the works.

We will notify potentially affected residents and businesses well in advance of works through letterbox drops, email updates and at times, in person.

What causes noise and vibration?

• The main sources of noise and vibration are:
• excavation and rock breaking
• drilling deep into the ground, known as piling
• heavy machinery, generators and power tools.

Managing noise and vibration

We've undertaken noise monitoring at different locations in the project area around the stations and train stabling yard site.

This allows us to identify potential noise impacts of our works, and proactively work with affected residents and businesses to minimise noise impacts.

During our works, we monitor noise and vibration levels to make sure they are within the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) noise control guidelines.

How we minimise noise and vibration impacts

• Schedule works during standard construction hours as much as possible, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 7am to 1pm, Saturdays.
• Use quieter reversing alarms on our vehicles and machines
• Offer respite and relocation to eligible residents during noisy night works, where noise thresholds are exceeded
• Maintain a buffer zone between work areas and homes
• Keep our machinery in good working order.

How we minimise dust and dirt

• Use water trucks to regularly wet down the site
• Stage works to minimise disturbed soil areas exposed to wind
• Plan earthworks on less windy days
• Cover truck loads and stockpiles
• Reduce the speed of construction vehicles
• Use steel grids at site exit points to reduce mud being dragged onto the roads
• Clean the roads around the site with street-sweepers.

Monitoring dust

We've installed dust monitors around the work site to measure air quality and weather conditions at regular intervals.

These monitors will help us to ensure we have adequate dust controls in place throughout our works, in line with EPA requirements.

Keeping traffic moving

Works on the new train stabling yard are taking place between Abey Road and the rail corridor, with access to site via Abey Road.

You may see an increase in construction vehicles along Abey Road as they access the site.

For your safety and the safety of our workers, please follow the directions of any road signage around the site.

Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times.

Supporting local residents

Sometimes, we cannot avoid disturbing nearby residents, and we need to consider other options, including offering respite or temporary relocation.

• Respite may be offered to residents and may include noise cancelling headphones or vouchers to activities providing respite periods.
• Relocation is offered to eligible residents to provide alternative accommodation for sleeping. This is usually serviced apartment style accommodation with kitchen and laundry facilities.

We have a dedicated team who will work with eligible households to provide detailed information about respite and relocation and to discuss their needs.

We will get in touch with eligible residents prior to works through email and letterbox notifications, telephone calls and doorknocking where possible.

During works, respite and relocation requests are assessed on a case-by case basis, depending on the nature and extent of works occurring on site.