Cranbourne Line Duplication and Crossing Removals Advance

The government is investing over $1 billion to duplicate the Cranbourne line, remove all level crossings and construct a new Merinda Park Station. These works are intended to create the first level crossing-free line in the jurisdiction. The changes directly affect residents who rely on the line for daily travel to work, education and services within Cranbourne.

Changes to services from February 2026

From 1 February 2026 all services on the Cranbourne line will run through the new Metro Tunnel. This adjustment is projected to add over 1,000 new weekly services and support ten-minute train intervals. Residents can expect altered timetables and routing that replaces previous surface operations with tunnel passage for the full length of their journeys.

As of January 2026 the Cranbourne line is already entirely boom gate free following removal of 27 sets of boom gates and delivery of 12 new or upgraded stations. Local commuters will therefore encounter fewer road-rail interruptions at crossings near their homes and workplaces.

Longer-term plans and resident considerations

Infrastructure Victoria's draft 30-year strategy recommends extending and electrifying the Cranbourne line to Clyde after 2030. The plan carries an estimated cost of $2-$3 billion and would add four new stations. Residents in outer parts of Cranbourne may see future station access improve if the extension proceeds, though construction timing remains subject to later decisions.

The government previously rejected one private consortium bid for the corridor and instead advanced a multi-billion dollar package that includes removal of nine level crossings and purchase of 37 high-capacity trains. These steps are expected to increase overall capacity on the line serving Cranbourne without introducing new local costs to households.

Current works focus on duplication and station delivery within the existing corridor. Residents can track progress through official project updates that detail construction stages and temporary service adjustments during the transition period.