Overview
This year has been a bit of a disruptive one for Melbourne's train network, with train closures in January, April and July — and we're not over it yet. As construction continues on the the Metro Tunnel, the Victorian Government has announced that sections of three Melbourne train lines (and six V/Line services) will be closed at some point between September 21 and October 27.
What does that mean? Replacement buses. If you travel on the Sunbury, Cranbourne or Pakenham lines, you'll most likely have to switch from the train to a bus at some point on your commute.
If you travel on the Sunbury line, you'll be the most affected as buses will replace trains between Flagstaff and Sunshine for almost two weeks. The Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will have five days of interruptions.
Here's what we know so far about what's happening on each of the affected lines.
- Sunbury: Buses will replace trains between Flagstaff and Sunshine stations from September 29 – October 11.
- Cranbourne and Pakenham: Buses will replace trains between Westall and Cranbourne/Pakenham stations on the weekend of September 21–22, and between Dandenong and Cranbourne/Pakenham stations from September 23–25.
Plus, V/Line services will be affected as well. Coaches will replace trains on the Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines at various points throughout September and October. Something to take into account before you make any big weekend plans.
The line closures this time round will see platforms extended at all stations between Footscray and Sunshine, as well as new cabling and signalling installed.
For up-to-date info, your best bet is to check the disruptions map on the government's Big Build website.