Hurstbridge line

The first section of the Hurstbridge Line opened between Victoria Park (then named Collingwood) and Heidelberg in May 1888.{{Cite news |date=23 August 1890 |title=THE RAILWAY BILL. |work=Age |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196969164 |access-date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331070752/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196969164 |url-status=live }} At this time, the line was connected to other lines via a line from Royal Park to Clifton Hill, most of which comprised what was later known as the Inner Circle line. This connection was opened at the same time.{{Cite news |date=25 August 1882 |title=THE INNER CIRCLE LINE. |work=Age |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198563018 |access-date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331070806/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/198563018 |url-status=live }}

The section from Flinders Street to Victoria Park, was built later than the rest of the line, which was originally connected to the suburban system via the now-closed Inner Circle railway line.{{Cite news |date=9 October 1891 |title=THE DIAMOND VALLEY RAILWAY. |work=Evelyn Observer, and South and East Bourke Record |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58903181 |access-date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331070733/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58903181 |url-status=live }} The section between Jolimont and West Richmond runs through two tunnels under a low ridge just east of the city, while the line from West Richmond to Victoria Park runs on an embankment that carries the line above numerous main roads and suburban side streets.

A more direct connection, between Princes Bridge and Victoria Park (as Collingwood was renamed at the same time) was opened in October 1901.{{cite book |last=S.E. Dornan and R.G. Henderson |title=Electric Railways of Victoria |year=1979 |publisher=Australian Electric Traction Society |isbn=0-909459-06-1}} In June the following year, the line was extended to Eltham, and ten years later (in June 1912) to Hurst's Bridge (now Hurstbridge).{{Cite news |date=20 June 1912 |title=ELTHAM TO HURST'S-BRIDGE. |work=Age |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197371555 |access-date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331070750/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197371555 |url-status=live }} In 1912, the Mont Park branch line was built branching from Macleod to serve the newly built Mont Park Asylum. Also in 1912, the line between Westgarth and Alphington was duplicated.

In 1919, a branch line opened to the Australian Paper Manufacturers paper mill just after Fairfield. This {{convert|1.1|km|1|adj=on}} brought freight traffic into the mill for its 75-year lifespan, before its closure in 1994.{{cite magazine |author=S Cauchi |date=November 1994 |title=Closure of the Australian Paper Ltd siding at Fairfield |magazine=Newsrail |publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society (Victorian Division) |pages=328–331}}

In April 1921, automatic signalling was implemented between Princes Bridge and Clifton Hill Station, and a few months later, the line (from Princes Bridge) was electrified to Heidelberg, followed by electrification to Eltham in April 1923, and Hurstbridge in August 1926.{{Cite news |date=5 November 1925 |title=HURST-BRIDGE LINE. |work=Age |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155681372 |access-date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331070752/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155681372 |url-status=live }} In September 1926, the single-track section between Clifton Hill and Westgarth was converted to Lever Locking and Track Control signalling, followed by Alphington Station to Heidelberg in June 1927.

In June 1949, the line between Ivanhoe and Heidelberg was duplicated and provided with automatic signalling.{{Cite news |date=30 January 1947 |title=Extra Rail Line |work=Herald |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245859425 |access-date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331070741/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/245859425 |url-status=live }} The same was done to the Alphington to Ivanhoe section in December 1951. Duplication continued between Heidelberg and Macleod in December 1958, except for a short section after Heidelberg Station where the line crosses a bridge then goes through a tunnel. That section remained single tracked until 2018 when it was duplicated as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project at Lower Plenty Road near Rosanna Station.

Macleod to Greensborough was duplicated and converted to automatic signalling in August 1979. The duplication also included a number of level crossing removals and a rebuilt Watsonia.{{cite magazine |date=April 1978 |title=Works |magazine=Newsrail |publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society |page=69}} Macleod is the only station on the Hurstbridge Line with more than two platforms. A third platform was provided in the 1970s, and is used during peak periods to provide a place at which trains can originate or terminate.

Weekend services commenced through running to Hurstbridge in April 1985. Previously, weekend services between Eltham and Hurstbridge operated as a shuttle service, with passengers required to change trains at Eltham. Prior to the timetable change, the shuttle service was provided by a double ended motored Tait train, and after their withdrawal in 1984, the shuttle service was provided by a 3 car Hitachi or Comeng train.{{cite magazine |date=July 1985 |title=General News |magazine=Newsrail |publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society |page=214}}

In 2009, a short section between Clifton Hill and Westgarth was duplicated, including the construction of a second Merri Creek river crossing at Clifton Hill.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Marcus |title=Second Merri Creek bridge at Clifton Hill |url=https://railgallery.wongm.com/second-merri-creek-bridge/ |access-date=27 March 2023 |website=Wongm's Rail Gallery |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327065809/https://railgallery.wongm.com/second-merri-creek-bridge/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=4 May 2018 |title=Rosanna station and the Hurstbridge line re-open |url=https://www.urban.com.au/news/rosanna-station-and-the-hurstbridge-line-re-open |access-date=27 March 2023 |website=Urban.com.au |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327065809/https://www.urban.com.au/news/rosanna-station-and-the-hurstbridge-line-re-open |url-status=live }} The rarely used centre running line at Clifton Hill was also removed at this time. One year later, the Burgundy Street bridge near Heidelberg Station was replaced. This bridge was upgraded again in 2019 as part of the Hurstbridge Line Duplication project.

Since 2017, X'Trapolis 100 trains began operating on the line, replacing the Comeng train-sets. The new stock features three doors per side on each carriage with the ability to seat 432 passengers in each six-carriage configuration.{{Cite web |date=1 March 2014 |title=Franchise Agreement - Train |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Partnership-agreements/Train-Franchise-Agreement-Vol-2-of-2.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301010405/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Partnership-agreements/Train-Franchise-Agreement-Vol-2-of-2.pdf |archive-date=1 March 2014 |access-date=17 February 2023}}

File:Hurstbridge line duplication logo.svg

File:Rosanna Station platforms in March 2020.jpg in March 2020.|240x240px]]

In May 2016, the Victorian Government allocated funding for stage one of the Hurstbridge Line Duplication. The first stage involved:{{Cite web |date=27 April 2016 |title=Hurstbridge Line Duplication |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/hurstbridge-line-duplication |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531040536/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/duplicated-hurstbridge-line-will-run-more-trains/ |archive-date=31 May 2016 |access-date=22 June 2016 |website=premier.vic.gov.au |language=en-US}}{{cite web |title=Hurstbridge rail {{!}} Rail projects {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Project |url=http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/rail-projects/hurstbridge-rail-line-upgrade |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307183335/http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/rail-projects/hurstbridge-rail-line-upgrade |archive-date=7 March 2017}}

• Duplicating a {{Convert|1.2|km|adj=on}} section of track between Heidelberg and Rosanna
• The removal of two level crossings at Grange Road, Alphington and Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna
• A newly elevated Rosanna Station
• The construction of a second rail bridge over Burgundy Street in Heidelberg
• The construction of a second tunnel for Flinders Street-bound trains under Darebin Street

Construction was coordinated on the level crossing removals and duplication so both projects would be delivered more efficiently, with fewer disruptions to passengers while work is carried out. Early works on the duplication began in June 2016, with major construction started in March 2017. On 6 October of that year, the former ground Rosanna Station closed for demolition. The 6-week 24/7 major construction blitz began on 16 March 2018 with the closure of the rail corridor to allow construction to ramp up. The new elevated Rosanna Station opened with the duplication of the single-track section completed on 30 April 2018, with 35 new and extended weekly train services between Eltham Station and the city loop introduced on 26 August of that year.

In May 2019, a second stage of track duplication was announced. When announced, the second stage originally involved:{{Cite web |date=13 December 2022 |title=Hurstbridge Line Upgrade Stage 2 planning underway|url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/second-stage-of-hurstbridge-line-upgrade-underway |website=Level Crossing Removal Project|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412204057/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/second-stage-of-hurstbridge-line-upgrade-underway |archive-date=12 April 2020 |access-date=22 May 2019|url-status=dead}}

• Duplicating {{Convert|3|km|abbr=on}} of track between Greensborough and Eltham and {{Convert|1.5|km|abbr=on}} of track between Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen
• The full reconstruction of Greensborough and Montmorency stations
• The extension of platform 2 at Diamond Creek Station

Under this plan, the heritage listed Eltham Trestle Bridge would be retained as that section of track did not need to be duplicated due to other improvements on the line.{{Cite news |date=1 August 2018 |title=More trains for Melbourne's north-east under Labor election pledge |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-01/more-trains-for-melbournes-north-east-labor-promise/10059982 |access-date=25 March 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325104826/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-01/more-trains-for-melbournes-north-east-labor-promise/10059982 |url-status=live }} However, in June 2021, it was announced that the Greensborough to Eltham duplication was cut back to {{Convert|2|km|abbr=on}} of track between Greensborough and Montmorency stations.{{cite web|url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/hurstbridge-line-duplication|title=Hurstbridge Line Duplication|website=Victoria's Big Build|access-date=1 October 2023}} This was to avoid affecting an endangered Eltham copper butterfly habitat near Montmorency Station that was not discovered during prior environmental assessments of the project. The state government opted to cut back the duplication rather than to go through additional lengthy environmental approval processes, while claiming the revised duplication would not reduce the service frequency that was originally promised.{{cite web|first=Timna|last=Jacks|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/butterfly-flaps-its-wings-in-montmorency-and-upends-530m-rail-plan-20210623-p583kk.html|title=Butterfly flaps its wings in Montmorency – and upends $530m rail plan|publisher=The Age|date=23 June 2021|accessdate=14 May 2023|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925085956/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/butterfly-flaps-its-wings-in-montmorency-and-upends-530m-rail-plan-20210623-p583kk.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.3aw.com.au/how-a-butterfly-derailed-a-multi-million-dollar-rail-project/|title=How a butterfly derailed a multi-million dollar rail project|publisher=3AW Melbourne|date=24 June 2021|access-date=1 October 2023}} The Eltham Trestle Bridge remained unaffected by the revised duplication. The rest of the second stage also proceeded as planned.

Site investigations commenced in 2020, with early works on the corridor started in 2021 and construction kicked off throughout 2022, with a 2-week closure in September of that year seeing the raising of the second Plenty River rail bridge as well as other works. The 6-week 24/7 major construction blitz began on 16 March 2023 with the closure of the rail corridor to allow duplication works to ramp up. The duplication and opening of the new Greensborough and Montmorency stations occurred on 30 April 2023.{{cite web |last=Chan |first=Ray |date=28 September 2022 |title=Trains roll again on Hurstbridge Line |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/trains-roll-again-on-hurstbridge-line/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929004840/https://www.railexpress.com.au/trains-roll-again-on-hurstbridge-line/ |archive-date=29 September 2022 |access-date=29 September 2022 |website=Rail Express}} Other works including landscaping, the construction of car-parking, and other final works all completed in late 2023.

Delivered in conjunction with the Hurstbridge Line Duplication project, the Level Crossing Removal Project has announced the removal of 3 level crossings on the line, to be completed in stages from 2018 to 2027. In 2018, 2 level crossings were removed at Grange Road, Alphington and Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna. The crossing at Grange Road in Alphington involved lowering the rail line into a trench under the road, with the rail line being elevated at Lower Plenty Road to create a rail bridge over the road.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=21 June 2022 |title=Grange Road, Alphington |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/grange-road-alphington |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325074128/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/grange-road-alphington |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=21 June 2022 |title=Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/lower-plenty-road-rosanna |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325073136/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/lower-plenty-road-rosanna |url-status=live }} As part of this removal, Rosanna Station was rebuilt.{{Cite web |title=Rosanna Station |url=https://www.prebuilt.com.au/projects/rosanna/ |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=Prebuilt |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325073132/https://www.prebuilt.com.au/projects/rosanna/ |url-status=live }} In the lead up to the 2022 Victorian state election, the incumbent Andrews government announced the construction of a rail bridge to remove the level crossing at Ruthven Street near Macleod Station by 2027.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=24 February 2023 |title=Ruthven Street, Macleod |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/ruthven-street-macleod |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325073754/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/ruthven-street-macleod |url-status=live }} At the end of these removals, the Hurstbridge Line will have 13 remaining crossings on the corridor that aren't slated for removal.

Services on the Hurstbridge line operates from approximately 5:00 am to around 12:00 daily.{{Cite web |title=Hurstbridge Line |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |access-date=25 March 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 10–20 minutes in the AM peak on the Hurstbridge line while during non-peak hours the frequency is reduced to 20–30 minutes throughout the entire route. After Eltham, frequencies are reduced due to infrastructure constraints. 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 Hurstbridge 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 inbound trains stop
• ▼ – Only outbound trains stop (trains operate clockwise through the city loop all day)
• | – Trains pass and do not stop

{{Table alignment}}

The Hurstbridge line has had a total of 6 operators since its opening in 1888. The majority of operations throughout its history have been government run: from its first service in 1888 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 Hillside Trains have a combined operational length of 111 years. Hillside Trains was privatised in August 1999 and later rebranded Connex Melbourne. Metro Trains Melbourne, the current private operator, then took over the operations in 2009. Both private operators have had a combined operational period of {{Age|1999|08|28}} 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}}

File:Eltham Rail Trestle Bridge.jpg. |left]]

{{Hurstbridge Line|float=right|collapse=yes}}{{maplink

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| status = Operational with passenger services from Flinders Street to Hurstbridge

| locale = Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

| start = {{rwsa|Flinders Street}}

| end = {{rwsa|Hurstbridge}}

| continuesfrom =

| continuesas =

| connectinglines = All metropolitan, regional, and interstate

| formerconnections = {{Plainlist|

• Mont Park
• Outer Circle

}}

| stations = {{ubl|28 current stations|1 former stations|1 former siding}}

| routes = Hurstbridge

| daily_ridership =

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| planopen =

| open = {{Plainlist|

• Flinders Street to Princes Bridge on {{Start date|1865|12|18|df=y}}
• Collingwood to Heidelberg on {{Start date|1888|5|8|df=y}}
• Princes Bridge to Collingwood on {{Start date|1901|10|21|df=y}}
• Heidelberg to Eltham on {{Start date|1902|6|5|df=y}}
• To Hurstbridge on {{Start date|1912|6|25|df=y}}

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| yearcommenced = {{Start date|1888|5|8|df=y}}

| yearcompleted = {{Start date|1912|6|25|df=y}}

| close =

| event1label = Electrified

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• Princes Bridge to Heidelberg on {{Start date|1921|7|31|df=y}}
• To Eltham on {{Start date|1923|4|15|df=y}}
• To Hurstbridge on {{Start date|1926|8|2|df=y}}

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| event2label =

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• Victorian Railways (VR) (1888–1974)
• VR as VicRail (1974–1983)
• MTA (The Met) (1983–1989)
• PTC (The Met) (1989–1997)
• VicTrack (1997–Current)

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| operator =

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| linelength = {{convert|36.7|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}

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| tracks = Double track:

• Flinders Street to Montmorency{{cite web | url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/butterfly-flaps-its-wings-in-montmorency-and-upends-530m-rail-plan-20210623-p583kk.html | title=Butterfly flaps its wings in Montmorency – and upends $530m rail plan | date=23 June 2021 }}
• Diamond Creek to Wattle Glen

Single track:

• Montmorency to Diamond Creek
• Wattle Glen to Hurstbridge

| gauge = {{Track gauge|1600 mm}}

| old_gauge =

| load_gauge =

| minradius =

| maxincline = {{Incline|40}}

| electrification = 1500 V DC overhead

| speed = {{Convert|80|km/h|abbr=on}} – Electric

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The Hurstbridge line forms a highly curved route from Flinders Street railway station in Melbourne CBD to its terminus at Hurstbridge. The route is {{convert|36.7|km}} long and is double track up to Montmorency, with an additional section of double track between Wattle Glen and Diamond Creek; the remainder of the line is single track. The Hurstbridge line traverses both flat and hilly country with large amounts of curves and fairly significant earthworks for large parts of the line. The line uses the Clifton Hill tunnel of the City Loop, and travels through the only other three railway tunnels on the Victorian electrified network, although none of them are particularly long or deep. Sections of the line have been elevated onto a rail bridge 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}} The line features four of the largest bridges on the suburban network: twin bridges over the Merri Creek running between Clifton Hill and Westgarth station, another on the up side of Darebin station, crossing the Darebin Creek, and the heritage-listed wooden trestle bridge running across the Diamond Creek in Eltham.{{cite web | url=https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/66300 | title=VHD }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=9 August 2022 |title=The Eltham Trestle Bridge: An Unlikely Survivor |url=https://www.elthamtown.com.au/the-eltham-trestle-bridge-an-unlikely-survivor/ |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=Eltham Town |language=en-AU |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325114241/https://www.elthamtown.com.au/the-eltham-trestle-bridge-an-unlikely-survivor/ |url-status=live }} At {{Cvt|195|m||0}} in length, this bridge is one of the longest curved wooden trestle bridge in use on a revenue railway in the southern hemisphere, and is the only wooden bridge still in use on a revenue railway in Melbourne. Despite some removals, there are a large number of level crossings still present with no current plans to remove them, including a few private level crossings towards the end of the line.https://www.smgreensborough.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Upcoming-works-in-Greensborough-Montmorency-and-Diamond-Creek.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}{{Better source needed|Reason=This is a letter to a primary school informing them of LXRP works, it mentions a few of these private crossings in passing. A more official source would be ideal.|date=June 2024}}

The line follows the same alignment as the Mernda line up to Clifton Hill. After departing Clifton Hill, the Mernda line heads north with the Hurstbridge line taking a windy alignment heading in an eastern direction.{{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}} Almost all of the line goes through built-up suburbs, however, the line becomes more peri-urban towards its terminus in Hurstbridge.

The line serves 28 stations across {{convert|36.7|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}}

File:IEV 100 Mooroolbark.jpg infrastructure evaluation vehicles, the IEV100 used to evaluate the condition of the track, shown here on the Lilydale line]]

The Hurstbridge line uses X'Trapolis 100 electric multiple unit (EMU) trains operating in a two three-car configuration, with three doors per side on each carriage and can accommodate of up to 432 seated passengers in each six car configuration.{{Cite web |date=1 March 2014 |title=Train-Franchise-Agreement-Vol-2-of-2 |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Partnership-agreements/Train-Franchise-Agreement-Vol-2-of-2.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301010405/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Partnership-agreements/Train-Franchise-Agreement-Vol-2-of-2.pdf |archive-date=1 March 2014 |access-date=17 February 2023}} The trains were originally built between 2002 and 2004 as well as between 2009 and 2020 with a total of 212 three-car sets constructed. The trains are shared with 7 other metropolitan train lines and have been in service since 2003.

Alongside the passenger trains, Hurstbridge 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.

File:Concourse Rosanna.jpg, rebuilt in 2018, includes lifts, tactile boarding indicators, and other accessible features.]]

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 61% of Hurstbridge line stations classed as fully accessible. Future station upgrade projects will continue to increase the number of fully accessible stations overtime.

The Hurstbridge 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 on the line in 1921, with the final section of the line converted to the new type of signalling in 2013.{{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=17 February 2023}} Until early 2013, the Hurstbridge line was the last electrified railway in Melbourne to use a token system of safeworking. The Greensborough to Eltham section was controlled by the miniature electric staff system, and Eltham to Hurstbridge section by the staff and ticket system. If required, the latter section could be divided into two at Diamond Creek, to allow trains to cross at that station. In conjunction with these systems, trains through Greensborough, Eltham, and Hurstbridge stations continued to be controlled by some semaphore signals.{{Cite web |last=Gough |first=Deborah |date=26 March 2013 |title=Major rail projects expected in 20 years |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/major-rail-projects-expected-in-20-years-20130327-2gt8r.html |access-date=21 March 2023 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321014244/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/major-rail-projects-expected-in-20-years-20130327-2gt8r.html |url-status=live }} In the first few months of 2013, the staff systems and semaphore signals were replaced by electronic three-position coloured light signalling, controlled remotely from Epping.{{Cite web |last=Staff Writer |date=17 April 2012 |title=News in Brief ' 11–18 April 2012 |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/news-in-brief-11-18-april-2012/ |access-date=21 March 2023 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321014246/https://www.railexpress.com.au/news-in-brief-11-18-april-2012/ |url-status=live }} The Greensborough-Diamond Creek section was converted on 3 February 2013, and the Diamond Creek-Hurstbridge section was converted on 22 March 2013.{{Citation |title=Last Semaphore Signal on the Hurstbridge Line – February 2013 | date=24 February 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C80ZI_M0nk8 |access-date=21 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321014244/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C80ZI_M0nk8 |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/8/hurstbridge/ Hurstbridge line timetable]
• [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/maps/#networkmaps Network map]
• {{commons category-inline|Hurstbridge railway line}}

{{Victorian Railway Lines|selected=melbourne}}

Category:Railway lines in Melbourne

Category:Railway lines opened in 1888

Category:Heidelberg, Victoria

Category:1888 establishments in Australia

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

Category:Transport in the City of Yarra

Category:Transport in the City of Banyule

Category:Transport in the City of Darebin

Category:Transport in the Shire of Nillumbik

Category:1500 V DC railway electrification