Craigieburn line

The line from North Melbourne to Essendon was opened by the Melbourne & Essendon Railway Company in November 1860.{{Cite news |date=23 October 1860 |title=OPENING OF THE MELBOURNE AND ESSENDON RAILWAY. |work=Age |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154884038 |access-date=12 April 2023 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414133951/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154884038 |url-status=live }} Soon after, the company opened a branch from Newmarket to Flemington Racecourse. Both lines were closed shortly after, in July 1864. The Victorian Railways reopened the Flemington Racecourse line (including the Essendon line as far as Newmarket) in November 1867, and in January 1871, to Essendon. In April 1872, the line was extended to a temporary terminus outside Seymour, awaiting completion of a bridge over the Goulburn River. In December 1894, through services were provided from Essendon to Brighton Beach on the Sandringham line.{{Cite news |date=1 July 1899 |title=BRIGHTON TRAIN SERVICE. |work=Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66855715 |access-date=12 April 2023 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414133938/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66855715 |url-status=live }}

Automatic Block Signalling was introduced on the line in 1918, with Kensington to Essendon being converted in June of that year, and North Melbourne to Kensington in October. In May 1919, Flinders Street to Essendon and the Sandringham line were the first lines to be electrified in Melbourne, apart from a test installation on the Flemington Racecourse line.{{Cite news |date=2 July 1906 |title=SUBURBAN ELECTRIFICATION. |work=Argus |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9642956 |access-date=14 April 2023 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414134001/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9642956 |url-status=live }} In 1921, the line was electrified to Broadmeadows, where it remained until the extension of electrification in 2007.

In January 1924, an extra pair of tracks, including a flying junction, opened between North Melbourne and Kensington, enabling the separation of passenger and goods traffic in the busy section. Further works were carried out in 1929, when the double tracked Albion–Jacana freight line opened, permitting freight trains to avoid the line via Essendon.{{cite web |title=VR History |url=http://www.victorianrailways.net/vr%20history/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530050949/http://www.victorianrailways.net/vr%20history/history.html |archive-date=30 May 2008 |access-date=30 March 2008 |publisher=victorianrailways.net}}

A branch line was opened during the Second World War to Broadstore, designed to connect Broadmeadows station with the Maygar Barracks. The line opened on 12 October 1942 and remaining in operation until 1982, when usage of the base began to cease.{{cite web |title=Broadstore Line 1991 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/29565670@N06/sets/72157613223800455/ |access-date=6 October 2009 |publisher=Mike Forsberg}}

Automatic Block Signalling was extended to Broadmeadows in November 1965.{{Cite news |date=8 July 1938 |title=NEW COLORED LIGHT RAILWAY SIGNALS |work=Newcastle Sun |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167308991 |access-date=14 April 2023}}

{{Main|Craigieburn line#Future}}

In 2003, an unmanned suburban train rolled the length of the line from Broadmeadows station for nearly {{convert|17|km|mi}}, eventually crashing into another stationary train at Spencer Street station (now Southern Cross station). 11 people sustained minor injuries, however, nobody was seriously injured or killed from the accident.{{cite web |date=4 February 2003 |title=Eleven injured in runaway train drama |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/03/1044122326344.html |access-date=4 December 2012 |publisher=The Age |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112170939/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/03/1044122326344.html |url-status=live }}

File:Craigieburn Northbound View.jpg was rebuilt as part of the extension.]]

On 30 September 2007, electrification of the Broadmeadows line was extended along the regional V/Line tracks to Craigieburn.{{cite web |title=Public transport – Craigieburn Rail Project – News and publications |url=http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/07288AED1C6F3EF3CA25730D000908B5?OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080723014940/http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/07288AED1C6F3EF3CA25730D000908B5?OpenDocument |archive-date=23 July 2008 |access-date=22 June 2008 |publisher=Department of Infrastructure}} The Craigieburn rail project delivered projects including:{{Cite web |title=Craigieburn Rail Project |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/craigieburnrailproje/ |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414104750/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/craigieburnrailproje/ |url-status=live }}

• Upgrading Craigieburn station to premium station status
• A new station at Roxburgh Park
• New train stabling facilities at Craigieburn
• Construction of overhead wiring system with new sub-stations
• Installation of new signalling systems along the Broadmeadows—Craigieburn corridor
• The provision for a new station at Coolaroo (this ended up being built under another government)

The Craigieburn Rail project started construction in May 2005 and was completed in late September 2007. An additional set of projects were delivered later on, with a new station at Coolaroo opened in 2010 and the construction of a fully-fledged train maintenance facility under the Brumby government.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Marcus |date=27 July 2015 |title=Penny-pinching at Craigieburn station |url=https://wongm.com/2015/07/craigieburn-station-never-built/ |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=Waking up in Geelong |language=en-US |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414110150/https://wongm.com/2015/07/craigieburn-station-never-built/ |url-status=live }}

On 9 April 2012, a train maintenance facility, located north of the station, was opened by then Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder.{{Cite web |last= |title=Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility |url=http://www.johnholland.com.au/Documents.asp?ID=13981&ProjectID=92&ProjCont=Details |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20140304083639/http://www.johnholland.com.au/Documents.asp?ID=13981&ProjectID=92&ProjCont=Details |archive-date=2014-03-04 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=www.johnholland.com.au}} With the delivery of the new X'Trapolis 2.0 fleet, the facility will be used by Metro Trains Melbourne to maintain the fleet, with upgrades underway to house the trains. This, in turn, will lead to the X'Trapolis 2.0 trains replacing the ageing Comeng fleet which served the Craigieburn line.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-03 |title=X'Trapolis 2.0 - modern trains for a modern Melbourne |url=https://www.vic.gov.au/xtrapolis-modern-trains-modern-melbourne |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=www.vic.gov.au |language=en-au}} No major projects, other than the level crossing removals on the Craigieburn line, have been announced since.

File:Glenroy Northbound View.jpg was rebuilt as part of the adjacent level crossing removal.]]

The Level Crossing Removal Project announced the removal of 2 level crossings on the line, which were completed in stages between 2018 and 2022. In 2018, one level crossing was removed at Buckley Street, Essendon. The crossing was removed by lowering the road line underneath the rail line.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=21 June 2022 |title=Buckley Street, Essendon |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/buckley-street-essendon |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172548/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/buckley-street-essendon |url-status=live }} The second crossing to be removed was the one at Glenroy Road, Glenroy, by lowering the rail line underneath the road.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=14 September 2022 |title=Glenroy Road, Glenroy |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/glenroy-road-glenroy |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411104740/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/glenroy-road-glenroy |url-status=live }} In addition, Glenroy station was rebuilt with a modern, wheelchair accessible, lowered design.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=11 May 2022 |title=New Glenroy Station opens to passengers |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/new-glenroy-station-opens-to-passengers |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411110356/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/level-crossing-removal-project/new-glenroy-station-opens-to-passengers |url-status=live }} As a result of these removals, the Craigieburn line now has a number of remaining crossings on the corridor that have not been slated for removal since the project's announcement.

Highlighted in the 2018 Victorian Rail Plan, a proposal exists for the Craigieburn line to be connected to the Upfield line, via the construction of a rail link along the Somerton rail corridor. In addition, the Upfield line would be extended to Wallan. The 2018 Victorian Rail Plan has proposed the following projects take place as part of the Wallan extension:{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=6 November 2018 |title=Sluggish Upfield's service boost still seven years away |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/sluggish-upfield-s-service-boost-still-seven-years-away-20181106-p50e8u.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409113325/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/sluggish-upfield-s-service-boost-still-seven-years-away-20181106-p50e8u.html |archive-date=9 April 2023 |access-date=9 April 2023 |website=The Age |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Secret rail blueprint for Melbourne revealed |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-melbourne-secret-rail-plans-daniel-andrews/7bf67384-26e6-4f05-b283-b314462d2ca0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404114109/https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-melbourne-secret-rail-plans-daniel-andrews/7bf67384-26e6-4f05-b283-b314462d2ca0 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=www.9news.com.au|date=16 October 2018 }}

In 2018, the government announced that a business case would be completed for to further investigate the positivity for these series of projects to commence. A business case was completed, however, it was not released to the public. Since the business case in 2018, there has been little developments despite the 'Metro Tunnel Day One' milestone of the 2018 Plan fast approaching. Only a small amount of attention has been given by local residents, council, an action group and some political parties.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Jackson |date=26 August 2020 |title=New plan to transform the Melbourne's north |url=https://ncreview.com.au/2020/08/26/new-plan-to-transform-the-melbournes-north/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405111408/https://ncreview.com.au/2020/08/26/new-plan-to-transform-the-melbournes-north/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=5 April 2023 |website=The North Central Review |language=en-AU}}

Services on the Craigieburn line operates from approximately 5:00 am to around 12:00 daily.{{Cite web |title=Craigieburn Line |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907155122/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |url-status=live }} In general, during peak hours, train frequency is 5–10 minutes in the AM peak on the Craigieburn line while during non-peak hours the frequency is reduced to 20–30 minutes throughout the entire route. On Friday nights and weekends, services run 24 hours a day, with 60 minute frequencies available outside of normal operating hours.{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Melbourne Weekend Night Network Train Map |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/Maps-and-Timetables-PDFs/Maps/Night-Network-maps/Night-Train-Map-SEPT-2021.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112114049/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/Maps-and-Timetables-PDFs/Maps/Night-Network-maps/Night-Train-Map-SEPT-2021.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2023 |access-date=18 December 2022}}

Train services on the Craigieburn line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works, usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Shuttle bus services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters.{{Cite news |date=15 November 2016 |title=Where do train replacement buses come from? |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214224815/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |archive-date=14 December 2022}}

Legend — Station status

• ◼ Premium Station – Station staffed from first to last train
• ◻ Host Station – Usually staffed during morning peak, however this can vary for different stations on the network.

Legend — Stopping patterns
Some services do not operate via the City Loop

• ● – All trains stop
• ◐ – Some services do not stop
• ▼ – Only outbound trains stop
• | – Trains pass and do not stop

{{Table alignment}}

The Craigieburn line has had a total of 8 operators since its opening in 1860. The majority of operations throughout its history have been government run: from the acquisition of the service from private operator the Melbourne and Essendon Railway Company in 1871 until the 1999 privatisation of Melbourne's rail network, four different government operators have run the line."Melbourne's Rail Network to be Split" Railway Digest November 1997 page 12 These operators, Victorian Railways, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Public Transport Corporation, and Bayside Trains have a combined operational length of 129 years.

Bayside Trains was privatised in August 1998 and later rebranded M>Train. In 2002, M>Train was placed into receivership and the state government regained ownership of the line, with KPMG appointed as receivers to operate M>Train on behalf of the state government.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html National Express walks out of Australian rail service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160218/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html|date=12 January 2018}} The Daily Telegraph (London) 17 December 2002[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/12/23/1040511007915.html Receivers take over train, tram group] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026135818/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/12/23/1040511007915.html|date=26 October 2012}} The Age 24 December 2002[https://www.railexpress.com.au/victorian-passenger-services-get-new-managers/ Victorian passenger services get new managers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325102128/https://www.railexpress.com.au/victorian-passenger-services-get-new-managers/|date=25 March 2023}} Rail Express 28 January 2003 Two years later, rival train operator Connex Melbourne took over the M>Train operations including the Frankston line. Metro Trains Melbourne, the current private operator, then took over the operations in 2009. The private operators have had a combined operational period of {{Age|1994|08|29}} years.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Mex |date=25 June 2009 |title=New train, tram operators for Melbourne |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/new-train-tram-operators-for-melbourne-20090625-cxgx.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101122206/https://www.theage.com.au/national/new-train-tram-operators-for-melbourne-20090625-cxgx.html |archive-date=1 January 2023 |access-date=1 January 2023 |website=The Age}}

{{For-text|information about the actual track|North East railway line}}

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|title=Craigieburn line}}The Craigieburn line forms a somewhat linear route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus in Craigieburn. The route is {{convert|27.0|km}} long and is fully double tracked. The only underground section of the Craigieburn line is in the City Loop, where the service stops at 3 underground stations.{{Cite web |title=Guide to navigating the City Loop {{!}} Public Transport Users Association (Victoria, Australia) |url=https://www.ptua.org.au/tips/loop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212120652/https://www.ptua.org.au/tips/loop/ |archive-date=12 December 2022 |access-date=12 December 2022}} Exiting the city, the line steadily rises after leaving North Melbourne until after Essendon, when it then drops slightly to cross Moonee Ponds Creek. Soon after the line encounters the Glenroy Bank, a continuous rising gradient of 1 in 50 for almost 3 kilometres (1.9 mi). After Glenroy, it continues to rise to the end of the suburban line (and beyond). Some sections of the line has been elevated or lowered into a cutting to eliminate level crossings.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Marcus |date=10 May 2021 |title=Level crossing removals in 1920s Melbourne |url=https://wongm.com/2021/05/melbourne-1920s-level-crossing-removals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212120708/https://wongm.com/2021/05/melbourne-1920s-level-crossing-removals/ |archive-date=12 December 2022 |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=Waking up in Geelong}} Despite some removals, there are a number of level crossings still present with no current plans to remove them.

The line follows the same alignment as multiple lines with the Craigieburn line splitting off at North Melbourne. The Craigieburn line continues on its north western alignment, whereas the other lines continue onto a northern, western, or south-western alignment.{{Cite web |last=Wray |first=Tyson |title=Melbourne's train lines definitively ranked from best to worst |url=https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/blog/melbournes-train-lines-definitively-ranked-from-best-to-worst-011917 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212120710/https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/blog/melbournes-train-lines-definitively-ranked-from-best-to-worst-011917 |archive-date=12 December 2022 |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=Time Out Melbourne|date=19 January 2017 }} Most of the rail line goes through built-up suburbs and some industrial areas.

The line serves 21 stations across {{convert|27.0|km}} of track. The stations are a mix of elevated, lowered, underground, and ground level designs. Underground stations are present only in the City Loop, with the majority of elevated and lowered stations being constructed as part of level crossing removals.{{Cite book |last=Lee |first=Robert S. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/224727085 |title=The railways of Victoria 1854–2004 |date=2007 |publisher=Melbourne University Publishing |others=Rosemary Annable, Donald S. Garden |isbn=978-0-522-85134-2 |location=Carlton, Vic. |oclc=224727085 |access-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508063019/http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/224727085 |archive-date=8 May 2022 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|2 = Siemens Nexas|3 = Comeng (train)|l3 = Comeng}}

File:Comeng 569M at Glenroy.jpg EMU at the old Glenroy station prior to its 2022 rebuild.]]

The Craigieburn line uses two different types of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains that are operated in a split six-car configuration. The primary rolling stock featured on the line is the Comeng EMUs, built by Commonwealth Engineering between 1981 and 1988.{{Cite web |title=archive.ph |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/commuters-take-pole-position/story-fna7dq6e-1111119116347 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908211425/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/commuters-take-pole-position/story-fna7dq6e-1111119116347 |archive-date=8 September 2012 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=archive.ph}} These train sets are the oldest on the Melbourne rail network and subsequently will be replaced by the mid 2030s.{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=18 May 2021 |title=Ballarat plant bags $1b contract for 25 new Melbourne trains |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ballarat-plant-bags-1b-contract-for-25-new-melbourne-trains-20210518-p57svs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206070132/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ballarat-plant-bags-1b-contract-for-25-new-melbourne-trains-20210518-p57svs.html |archive-date=6 February 2023 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=The Age |language=en}} The second type of rolling stock is the Siemens Nexas EMUs which are also widely featured on the line, originally built between 2002 and 2005, these train sets feature more modern technology than the Comeng trains.{{Cite web |date=22 November 2005 |title=Siemens AG – Siemens Transportation Systems wins major contract in Australia |url=http://www.siemens.com/page/1,3771,226112-1-18_0_0-0,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051122043434/http://www.siemens.com/page/1,3771,226112-1-18_0_0-0,00.html |archive-date=22 November 2005 |access-date=6 February 2023}}

Alongside the passenger trains, Craigieburn line tracks and equipment are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains. The four types of engineering trains are: the shunting train; designed for moving trains along non-electrified corridors and for transporting other maintenance locomotives, for track evaluation; designed for evaluating track and its condition, the overhead inspection train; designed for overhead wiring inspection, and the infrastructure evaluation carriage designed for general infrastructure evaluation.{{Cite web |date=1 February 2011 |title=NETWORK SERVICE PLAN {{!}} Addenda |url=https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307165249/https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |archive-date=7 March 2011}} Most of these trains are repurposed locomotives previously used by V/Line, Metro Trains, and the Southern Shorthaul Railroad.

{{Main|X'Trapolis 2.0}}

From late 2025 or early 2026, the next generation of the X'Trapolis family of electric EMUs—the X'Trapolis 2.0—will be introduced. This new model will fully replace the existing fleet of Comeng EMUs currently operating on the line currently with new, modern, and technologically advanced trains. The new trains will feature:{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=15 July 2019 |title=New train designs revealed, but contract under threat |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-train-designs-revealed-but-contract-under-threat-20190715-p527eh.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715232339/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-train-designs-revealed-but-contract-under-threat-20190715-p527eh.html |archive-date=15 July 2019 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=The Age |language=en}}

• Modernised doors to reduce the boarding times at stations to under 40 seconds
• Passenger information systems to display that train's journey in real time
• Higher energy efficiency to work with a lower network voltage, to fit in line with modern rail systems overseas
• New interior designs including tip-up seating to allow space for wheelchair spaces.
• Designated bicycle storage areas
• Passenger operated automatic wheelchair ramps located behind driver cabs
• 6 car fully walk through carriages

File:Roxburgh Park Southbound View.jpg features accessible elevators and ramps. ]]

In compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, all stations that are new-built or rebuilt are fully accessible and comply with these guidelines.{{Cite web |title=Accessibility – Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria |url=https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084345/https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=www.ptovic.com.au}} Just over half of the stations on the corridor are fully accessible, however, there are some stations that haven't been upgraded to meet these guidelines.{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Station accessibility features |url=https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208020143/https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Metro Trains Melbourne}} These stations do feature ramps, however, they have a gradient greater than 1 in 14. Stations that are fully accessible feature ramps that have a gradient less than 1 in 14, have at-grade paths, or feature lifts. These stations typically also feature tactile boarding indicators, independent boarding ramps, wheelchair accessible myki barriers, hearing loops, and widened paths.{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Accessing public transport |url=https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206144538/https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |archive-date=6 December 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=City of Melbourne}}

Projects improving station accessibility have included the Level Crossing Removal Project, which involves station rebuilds and upgrades, and individual station upgrade projects.{{Cite web |date=12 June 2022 |title=Left behind: the fight for accessible public transport in Victoria |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/13/left-behind-the-fight-for-accessible-public-transport-in-victoria |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084335/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/13/left-behind-the-fight-for-accessible-public-transport-in-victoria |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=the Guardian}}{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=17 October 2022 |title=Urban design framework |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/about/urban-design-framework |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084334/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/about/urban-design-framework |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build}} These works have made significant strides in improving network accessibility, with more than 57% of Craigieburn line stations classed as fully accessible. Future station upgrade projects will continue to increase the number of fully accessible stations overtime.

The Craigieburn line uses three position signalling which is widely used across the Melbourne train network.{{Cite web |title=A walk around Gunning |url=http://vrhistory.com/walks/Gunning/Gunning.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815134339/http://vrhistory.com/walks/Gunning/Gunning.htm |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=7 February 2023 |website=vrhistory.com}} Three position signalling was first introduced in 1918, with the final section of the line converted to the new type of signalling in 2007.{{Cite web |title=National Code 3-Position Speed Signalling |url=http://www.sa-trackandsignal.net/Pdf%20files/ARTC/ASig%20descr.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207082457/http://www.sa-trackandsignal.net/Pdf%20files/ARTC/ASig%20descr.pdf |archive-date=7 February 2023 |access-date=8 April 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Ray |date=25 April 2022 |title=New signalling system for regional rail line |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/new-signalling-system-for-regional-rail-line/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411092249/https://www.railexpress.com.au/new-signalling-system-for-regional-rail-line/ |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/3/craigieburn/ Craigieburn line timetable]
• [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/maps/#networkmaps Network map]
• {{commons category-inline|Craigieburn railway line}}

{{Victorian Railway Lines|selected=melbourne}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Craigieburn Railway Line}}

Category:Railway lines in Melbourne

Category:Railway lines opened in 1860

Category:1860 establishments in Australia

Category:Public transport routes in the City of Melbourne (LGA)

Category:Transport in the City of Moonee Valley

Category:Transport in the City of Merri-bek

Category:Transport in the City of Hume

Category:1500 V DC railway electrification