We’re upgrading the escalators on the Collins Street end of the metropolitan platforms 9–14 to make them more efficient and reliable.
The upgrade will take place in two stages, starting in late July 2025.
Early works (late July 2025 – late September 2025)
Maintenance is underway at both ends of platforms 9-14 to help prepare for major works. The works are being undertaken mostly at night, from 8.30pm to 4.30am. During these works on each platform one escalator will go up and one escalator will go down.
Main works (Early October 2025 – August 2026)
During the main works, we will be closing one of the three escalators on platforms 9-14. During these works:
- Two escalators at the Collins Street end of each platform will operate at any one time.
- Two escalators at the Bourke Street end of each platform will operate at any one time.
- All platforms will remain open.
Plan ahead and allow extra time
The platforms will be busier than usual during the morning peak from 7am to 10am and the afternoon peak from 3pm to 7pm during weekdays.
There will be changes to how the escalators operate during peak times and changes to how you access and exit the station.
Follow the signage and directions from staff to help everyone safely enter and exit the platforms.
You could also consider travelling outside of the morning peak, travelling to another CBD station or catching a tram, if possible.
Collins Street escalator operations during weekday morning and afternoon peaks
During the weekday morning peak (7am – 10am): There will be no escalators going down at the Collins Street end of the platforms. Please use the Bourke Street entrance, a four-minute walk along Spencer Street from the Collins Street entrance.
During the weekday afternoon peak (3pm -7pm): There will be no escalators going up at the Collins Street end of the platforms. Please use the Bourke Street end escalators to exit the platform.
At other times of the day (10am – 3pm and 7pm – 7am): One escalator will be running up and one will be running down.
Transiting passengers – use Bourke Street escalators
To interchange to a train on platforms 9 – 14, V/Line and metropolitan passengers should use the Bourke Street escalators to exit the platform.
Accessibility
Travellers Aid can help you get around Southern Cross Station if you require assistance. You can call Travellers Aid on (03) 9670 2072, book online here or email scs@travellersaid.org.au.
The lifts at both ends of the platform will be available throughout the works. Please give priority to the lifts to people with accessibility needs.
Affected train lines
- Platforms 9/10: Mernda and Hurstbridge, Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines.
- Platforms 11/12: Craigieburn, Upfield and Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
- Platforms 13/14: Werribee and Williamstown, and Craigieburn lines.
About the escalator upgrade
New, stronger escalators will be installed to ensure the growing number of passengers who use Southern Cross Station can get where they need to go, quickly and safely.
More people will be able to use the upgraded escalators, due to increased speeds. They will also be more durable and reliable after this major upgrade.
Thank you for your patience while the works are underway.
