Three of the major Melbourne train stations on the Upfield line - Jewell, Brunswick, and Anstey - will be merged into two new accessible stations by 2030.
The Victorian government is moving forward with plans to reduce congestion in Brunswick by merging three inner-noth Melbourne train stations into two new accessible stops, delivering more open space and expanding capacity on the Upfield Line for future services.
Locals can now participate in consultations to shape the designs for removing eight dangerous and congested level crossings. The project will see Jewell, Brunswick, and Anstey stations consolidated into two new accessible stations by 2030.
Three Melbourne train stations to merge
- Melbourne train stations Jewell, Brunswick, and Anstey will be merged into two new accessible stations
- The government is also removing eight dangerous and congested level crossings
- The changes are all set to come into effect by 2030, works aren’t scheduled to begin until 2028.
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Eighteen months of technical and engineering assessments revealed that merging the three stations into two will increase capacity on the line while also creating more open space. The current stations are all within 1,500 metres of each other, making them some of the closest on the network.
The two new accessible stations will be located between 200 and 450 metres from the current locations. They will feature entrances at both ends of the platforms, making it easier for commuters to access residential areas. New cycling and walking paths will also be included in the design.
Key heritage sites, such as the former Brunswick Gas & Coke Retort House and Brunswick Baths, will be preserved with the project’s rail bridge design, alongside other historical infrastructure.
The removal of boom gates at Albion Street, Hope Street, Victoria Street, Albert Street, Dawson Street, Union Street, Brunswick Road, and Park Street will result in an elevated rail line, freeing up space equivalent to four MCGs. Once complete, this will provide Brunswick with significant new open space.
More than 70,000 vehicles pass through these crossings daily, with 36 near misses since 2016. The boom gates are down for up to 30 minutes during the morning peak.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson stated, “This project will be a game changer for Brunswick and Parkville – it will reduce congestion, deliver two brand new and accessible stations and pave the way for extra trains on the Upfield Line in the future.”
Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt added, “We’re inviting the community to have their say and help shape this crucial project that will improve transport connections, make roads safer, and deliver more open space to Brunswick.”
Early works are expected to begin in 2028, with the level crossings removed and the new stations operational by 2030. For more information, head here. To help shape the designs and to have your say on the Brunswick level crossing removal crossing project, visit engage.vic.gov.au.
