COMMUTERS on the Seymour and Shepparton rail lines are being warned to prepare for widespread disruption, with more than 50 days of shutdowns scheduled between September and Christmas this year.
The shutdown, part of the final stage of the Shepparton line upgrade, will see V/Line trains replaced by buses for approximately 55 days from early September through to December. The works include critical signalling upgrades that will allow for increased service frequency and the introduction of faster, more reliable trains.
While the State Government initially advised of a 10-day closure in September, internal documents show the full impact will stretch well beyond that, with extended shutdowns planned throughout October and November and contingency works continuing into December.
Coach replacement services will operate during the affected periods, with commuters warned to expect delays of up to an hour, particularly during peak times. Some services may run express and may not stop at every station, including Essendon.
The upgrade is part of a broader push to modernise regional rail. From December 1, 68 weekly Sprinter services on the Seymour Line will be replaced by larger, more accessible VLocity trains, increasing capacity and improving reliability for passengers.
A Department of Transport spokesperson acknowledged the lengthy disruption but said the long-term benefits would be worth the short-term inconvenience.
“These works will deliver more services, better reliability and a significantly improved passenger experience,” the spokesperson said.
The project is also supported by funding in the 2025–26 Victorian State Budget, which includes additional morning and afternoon peak services to accommodate growing commuter demand.
The Seymour Line is one of the busiest in the state’s regional network, and the extended closure has drawn criticism from some passengers and local leaders who say the scale of the shutdown was not made clear from the outset.
Despite this, transport officials insist the schedule is necessary to meet project deadlines and ensure the safe rollout of new signalling infrastructure.
Travellers are encouraged to check the V/Line website or sign up for alerts to stay informed about service changes. Replacement coach timetables will be made available closer to the affected dates.
The initial dates for disruptions that have been released include from 10pm, September 7 to 6pm September 17, October 2 through to October 29 and then November 19 to November 24. The government has warned there could be contingency blocks if delays occur.
Planned full line (Craigieburn to Shepparton) closures of up to 21 days in October to December could have the potential to extend up to 90 days in total.
