Construction of a new train stabling yard at Cobblebank is underway as part of the Melton Line Upgrade, supporting the introduction of longer nine-car VLocity trains from next year.
The new facility, located east of Melton Station, will increase passenger capacity on peak Melton Line services by 50 per cent and is expected to be completed a year ahead of schedule.
The stabling yard will connect directly to the Melton Line, allowing trains to be positioned at Melton Station for the first service each day.
Construction is being delivered in stages, beginning with ground preparation and installation of essential services before track and operational facilities are built.
During winter, crews will establish site infrastructure, prepare the ground for major works, install entry gates and driveways along Abey Road, and complete sewerage and utility connections.
Once site preparation is complete, construction will begin on operational buildings including staff amenities, cleaners’ facilities, equipment rooms and storage areas. Prefabricated buildings will be installed to accelerate delivery.
Track infrastructure will then be constructed, including the installation of ballast, sleepers and rail. Approximately 6000 tonnes of crushed rock will be used for the track foundations.
When completed, the stabling yard will include a 46kW solar power system comprising 110 solar panels and landscaping featuring 300 native trees and approximately 20,000 native shrubs and grasses.
The facility has also been designed to accommodate future metropolitan trains when the Melton Line is electrified.
The stabling yard forms part of the broader Melton Line Upgrade, jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments. The project also includes platform extensions at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations to accommodate longer trains.
The upgrade is being delivered alongside several major transport projects in Melbourne’s west, including the removal of level crossings at Coburns, Exford and Ferris roads in Melton and the construction of a new Melton Station.
The new Melton Station, scheduled to open later this year, will feature four platforms, including two extended platforms capable of accommodating nine-car VLocity services from 2027.
The new Hopkins Road bridge in Truganina opened in May, while the Ferris Road bridge in Melton is scheduled to open to traffic on 15 July.
To learn more about the Melton Line Upgrade, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au
