Regional Rail Link will transform Footscray Station into one of Melbourne’s busiest and most modern train stations with two new platforms and tracks, an extended footbridge, and new escalators connecting to all platforms to cater for increased train services.

Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, said works packages released today for major construction between Sunshine and Footscray would deliver major improvements for Melbourne’s busiest suburban train station.

“Footscray handles more than 11,000 passenger boardings everyday and this is expected to increase even further with major commercial developments planned in the Footscray Central Activities District and a rise in train services.

“The $4.3 billion Regional Rail Link will deliver extra services on the Werribee, Sydenham, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines – all running through Footscray Station.

Key features of the Regional Rail Link works at Footscray Station include:

• Escalators from the main entrance on Irving Street to the footbridge;


• Escalators from the footbridge to all platforms;


• An extended footbridge and two new tracks and platforms; and


• A lift to cater for the new platforms and upgrades to station amenities.

Victorian Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula said Regional Rail Link would deliver major capacity improvements across V/Line and the metropolitan train network.

“More people than ever before are travelling on Victoria’s rail system and Footscray is a major junction for regional and suburban trains,” Mr Pakula said.

“It is crucial that we deliver infrastructure to keep up with growing demand and Regional Rail Link is truly a nation building project with the Gillard Labor Government committing $3.2 billion to the project.”

Member for Footscray Marsh Thomson said the Brumby Labor Government and the project team had listened to the community’s views for escalators at the station.

“With so many trains passing through the station and so many people needing to switch platforms, the introduction of escalators will provide an alternative to the stairs and lifts for the large number of people using one of Melbourne’s busiest stations,” Ms Thomson said.

“Footscray is going gangbusters and the new station upgrade really reflects the rise and importance of the west and Footscray as the dynamic centre of the west.”

City of Maribyrnong Mayor Sel Sanli said the construction of escalators would be a great outcome for the community.

“Only a few years ago we had a rickety wooden footbridge at the station – now we have a modern architectural footbridge and soon we will be getting state-of-the-art escalators reflecting our status as a major central activities centre,” Cr Sanli said.

“The west of Melbourne is entering a very exciting time and it is fantastic to see this investment by the Federal and Victorian Governments pouring into Footscray.”

Images and an animation of the Footscray Station improvements can be found at www.transport.vic.gov.au/rrl