A 14-day construction blitz to upgrade rail infrastructure in Melbourne's west will kick off in the new year, as part of major works to improve train services to Melton and Tarneit.
Coaches and buses will replace trains on sections of the Ballarat and Geelong lines from 8pm, Saturday 10 January to last service on Friday 23 January while crews extend platforms at Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations, and undertake major works to build the new West Tarneit Station.
The platform extensions are part of the Melton Line Upgrade, enabling longer nine-car VLocity trains to run on the line from 2027. Running longer trains will boost passenger capacity by 50% during peak services.
During the 24/7 works blitz, crews will also complete signalling works near the new Cobblebank train stabling yard being built as part of the upgrade.
In Melton, crews will continue works to build the 2 new rail bridges at Coburns and Exford roads and the new Melton Station, installing signalling, drainage and underground services.
Melton will be boom gate free, and the modern Melton Station will open next year with 4 platforms to cater for one of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities.
While trains aren’t running, construction will continue for the new road bridges being built over the rail line at Ferris Road, Melton and Hopkins Road, Truganina, opening to traffic next year, boosting safety and easing congestion on local roads.
At West Tarneit, crews will undertake critical drilling works under the rail line, prepare platform canopies for installation, and install services under the tracks.
The brand-new West Tarneit Station will include a four-bay bus interchange, a 400-space car park, and an accessible underpass that will make it easier to access both sides of the rail line.
Visit the Transport Victoria website for more details about changes to services on the Ballarat and Geelong lines in January.
