Port Rail Shuttle Network

We’re working with the freight industry to make better use of our rail assets and supporting them with their investments to shift freight from road to rail, substantially reducing carbon emissions.

Victorian rail takes up a greater share

With Victorian freight volumes set to nearly triple by 2051, it is vital that rail takes up a greater share of the growing freight movement across the state.

The Port Rail Shuttle Network will help modernise Melbourne’s existing transport networks, connecting the Port of Melbourne to major freight hubs using the existing rail network, and making it easier and cheaper for businesses to use rail freight.

This will remove congestion around the Port of Melbourne, cut transport costs for freight by as much as 10 percent, and reduce truck trips on the suburban Melbourne roads by up to 100,000 annually.

With road travel producing significantly more carbon emissions than rail travel, the network will also play a crucial role in Victoria’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

As part of the Port Rail Shuttle Network, a new track will connect the main rail line with the Dandenong South-based Salta Properties freight hub, so containers can be transported by rail the entire way from the Port of Melbourne.

The improved rail connection will further unlock private sector co-investment, with Salta Properties to construct the freight terminal and build on the strengths of south-east Melbourne as a freight and logistics hub.

This work is being delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Project as part of the $1 billion Cranbourne Line Upgrade(opens in a new window).

Traffic & transport

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