Northern suburbs residents are urging Premier Daniel Andrews and Treasurer Tim Pallas to include  duplication of the Upfield line in the upcoming state budget.

The 4kms of single track between Gowrie and Upfield stations limits the service, which currently  runs at 20-minute intervals, including during peak hours. Service disruptions lead to trains frequently  turning around at Coburg, penalising passengers further north.  

Upfield Transport Alliance spokesperson, Cr Sue Bolton, said the duplication project was a great fit  for the budget.

“Premier Andrews says there will be a massive investment in infrastructure and jobs. The Upfield  duplication is a perfect candidate for inclusion – the land for the second track and stations is already  available.

“The Upfield extension is shovel ready. And it will offer a big range of benefits for the northern  suburbs.”

Those benefits include:

• Enabling more frequent and reliable services;
• Elimination of the need for turnbacks at Coburg;
• A new station at Campbellfield and an improved station at Upfield;
• Preparing for a line extension to suburbs in the rapidly growing Wallan corridor.

Cr Bolton said the case for duplication was supported by Moreland and Hume councils.

“This project would improve lives for commuters in the north, take more traffic off the roads and  create jobs to beat the recession.

“We look forward to Treasurer Pallas announcing it on Budget night.”