Level crossing removal works are kicking off in Melbourne’s growing west starting with four level crossings to be removed, building a new Melton Station.
Crews are now on the ground at all level crossing removal sites in Melton and Truganina.
“Shovels are in the ground on the transformational level crossing removal project in Melton, which will help deliver improved public transport and better livability for Melton locals,” Melton MP Steve McGhie said.
This project is set to deliver better journeys for passengers and motorists, with new rail bridges taking trains over Coburns and Exford roads.
New road bridges over Ferris Road, Melton and Hopkins Road, Truganina are in the works, as well as the new accessible Melton Station.
Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said: “Removing the level crossing at Hopkins Road, Truganina will improve safety for local drivers and ensure no one gets stuck at these frustrating boom gates again and it’s fantastic to see works are now taking place.”
The new Melton Station will feature four platforms to accommodate Ballarat train services and provide dedicated platforms for services that will begin and end at Melton.
The dangerous and congested level crossings will be gone for good and the new station will open in 2026, two years ahead of schedule.
The Melton Line upgrade will boost passenger capacity on the line by 50 per cent and support the introduction of longer nine-car VLocity trains, set to be complete in 2028.
A new stabling yard will also be built at Cobblebank to house the new trains and early site investigations will soon get underway.
The state government is building 23 new V/Locity trains in Dandenong to increase capacity in Melton.
Six trains are already operating on the network.