State pledges $80 million study for Upfield line duplication, pushes back crossing removals
The Victorian government will fund an $80 million feasibility study to duplicate the Upfield rail line if re-elected, while postponing planned level-crossing removals for up to seven years.
If it wins the November state election, the Victorian government plans to commission an $80 million study into duplicating the Upfield line’s remaining single-track segment, a project estimated to cost between $650 million and $1.4 billion. Premier Ben Carroll said the duplication is essential for improving service reliability in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs and expects the study to be finished by 2028. Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward described the expenditure as a prudent investment for local residents.
Concurrently, the administration will postpone the removal of eight level crossings on the line, syncing the works with a 2033 duplication schedule and claiming a $686 million saving. Coalition transport shadow minister Evan Mulholland and Greens MP Anasina Gray-Barberio accused the government of repeatedly delaying promised upgrades for political gain, noting that earlier commitments had set earlier completion dates.
Why it matters
The decision reshapes transport funding and timelines for Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs, affecting commuters and future infrastructure costs.
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