Level crossing removals on the Upfield train line will be delayed, in favour of creating a much-needed second track. Earlier today, the Labor government announced that if they were re-elected in November, they would conduct an $80 million planning and duplication study into the Upfield line. At the moment, there is a single, four-kilometre stretch between Gowrie and Upfield stations, creating bottlenecks and delays. A second track on the Upfield line would improve frequencies, particularly during peak periods. The study itself is expected to be complete in 2028, with no further details on when commuters might expect a second track.
Upfield line upgrades
These level crossing removals were initially set to be complete by 2027, and then postponed until 2030. Now, works to remove the eight level crossings from Albion Street in Brunswick to Park Street in Parkville will be pushed back until 2033. The delay would allow construction to align with duplication works.
“By aligning works along the Upfield line we will be able to remove these level crossings more efficiently and with less disruption,” said Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward.
At the moment, trains during the morning and afternoon rush only have 15 to 20 minute frequencies, meaning that if a train is cancelled, commuters could wait 40 minutes for the next one. The Upfield line is lagging behind other train lines, such as Mernda and Glen Waverley, which have frequencies of less than ten minutes during peak periods.
In an estimate from the Victorian Parliamentary Budget Office last year, adding a second track between Gowrie and Upfield could cost $246 million.
