EVALUATION COMPLETE
Growth in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, combined with the concentration of employment in the CBD, is placing pressure on the performance and reliability of the existing northern rail corridor. The Melbourne rail upgrade program – North proposal seeks to optimise and upgrade existing rail assets within this corridor to improve network capacity, efficiency and reliability – enabling better utilisation of the existing corridor.
This proposal aligns with the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Policy Statement by supporting improved productivity, connectivity and sustainability through more efficient use of existing infrastructure. The proposal also aligns with the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan, which identifies electrification of rail and increased use of public transport as key pathways to reducing transport emissions.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
The Melbourne rail upgrade program – North proposal includes track upgrades and signalling improvements to the Craigieburn, Upfield and Seymour rail lines. Upgrades required on these corridors include electrification of rail lines in targeted growth areas, higher capacity rolling stock, level crossing removals to reduce congestion and conflict with the surrounding road network, as well as new and upgraded stations to support growing communities.
INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Australian Government should note this proposal as a potential future investment opportunity within the 2-4 year pipeline.
The Australian Government has committed $7.05 million towards planning for the proposal.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
This proposal has the potential to:
- Increase the capacity of the rail network – targeted upgrades would enable Melbourne’s northern rail corridor to better accommodate growing passenger demand.
- Support housing development – improved rail capacity in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor would enable well-located housing development and contribute to national housing targets.
- Support productivity benefits – enhanced capacity and performance of existing public transport services would improve travel reliability and help ease congestion on the road network, including the Hume Highway.
- Improve liveability – a more efficient and reliable rail network would improve connectivity between Melbourne's northern growth corridor and jobs, education and services.
- Improve network resilience and travel reliability – expanded high capacity public transport options would reduce reliance on the road network and improve performance during peak periods.
- Support sustainability outcomes – improved travel reliability would encourage greater use of public transport, contributing to reduced transport emissions.
NEXT STEPS
Proponent to progress planning activities (in line with Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework), including considering an approach to digital signalling to ensure compliance with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards where metropolitan networks interface with, or provide access to, the National Network for Interoperability.