EVALUATION COMPLETE
Rapid population growth in Melbourne’s western suburbs, combined with strong demand for access to employment in the CBD and inner city, is placing pressure on the performance and reliability of the existing western rail corridor, particularly the Wyndham Vale and Melton lines. The Melbourne rail upgrade program – West proposal is planning for targeted upgrades to the rail line to unlock additional capacity and improve operational efficiency. These upgrades would enable more frequent, reliable and higher-capacity services, improving access to public transport for communities in Melbourne’s west.
The proposal aligns with themes of the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Policy Statement by supporting improved productivity and connectivity through better utilisation 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 – West proposal involves planning for targeted upgrades to the Wyndham Vale and Melton rail corridors to improve capacity, reliability and operational efficiency of the existing network.
The proposal will consider upgrades required on these corridors including electrification of the Melton Line and other corridor upgrades to support higher frequency and more reliable services, improve passenger amenity and enable mode shift from road to rail as population continues to grow in Melbourne’s west.
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 $20.5 million towards planning for the proposal.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
This proposal has the potential to:
- Increase rail network capacity – targeted upgrades to the Wyndham Vale and Melton rail line would enable the existing network to better accommodate growing passenger demand in Melbourne’s west.
- Improve reliability and connectivity – a more efficient and reliable rail corridor would strengthen connectivity between residential areas, employment centres and essential services.
- Support productivity and congestion relief – improved public transport capacity and performance would encourage mode shift from road to rail, reducing pressure on the road network.
- Support housing development – better access to frequent and reliable rail services would support well-located housing development in Melbourne’s western growth areas.
- Support sustainability outcomes – improved rail performance and electrification would encourage greater use of public transport, contributing to reduced transport emissions and improved network efficiency.
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.