Overview
If you commute to work by train, you're looking at having a frustrating winter. Well, at least a frustrating July. The Victorian Government has announced that sections of eight Melbourne train lines will be closed from July 5–28 to complete more work on the Metro Tunnel — most significantly, building its entrance — and remove some dangerous level crossings on other lines.
What does that mean? Replacement buses. If you travel on any of the lines that service the southeast suburbs, you'll most likely have to switch from the train to a bus at some point on your commute. Plus, in the north, part of the Mernda line will be closed at the same time for a level crossing removal. If you were impacted by the train closures back in January and April, it's likely that'll you'll probably have your commute stuffed around again this autumn.
The lines that'll be impacted across the month — and the winter school holidays — are Frankston, Stony Point, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Sandringham and Mernda, as well as the Gippsland and Ballarat V/Lines.
Here's what we know so far about what's happening on each of the affected lines.
- Frankston: Buses will replace trains between Flinders Street and Caulfield stations between July 6–12, between Flinders Street and Moorabbin stations from July 13–14, and between Mordialloc and Frankston stations from July 19–28. Carrum Station will also be closed from July 5 until early 2020.
- Stony Point: Buses will replace trains between Frankston and Stony Point stations from July 6–14 and between Mordialloc and Stony Point stations from July 19–28.
- Cranbourne and Pakenham: Buses will replace trains between Flinders Street and Caulfield stations from July 6–12, and between Flinders Street and Westall stations from July 13–14.
- Sandringham: Buses will replace trains between Flinders Street and Sandringham stations from July 6–7 and July 13–14
- Mernda: Buses will replace trains between Thornbury and Epping stations from July 19–25, July 29–30 and August 2–4, and between Thornbury and Mernda stations from July 26–28. Reservoir Station will also be closed from July 19–August 4.
Plus, V/Line services will be affected as well. Coaches will replace trains on the Ballarat line until July 7. Something to keep in mind if you're travelling home or heading out to the Ballarat Winter Festival this weekend. The Gippsland line is also expected to be affected until July 14, but passengers will, once again, receive free travel. You can find the full details on line closures here.
The State Government is advising commuters to leave an extra travel time in the case of delays, so it's advisable that you plan your trip carefully. For up-to-date info, your best bet is to check the disruptions map on the government's Big Build website.