Southern Cross Station escalator upgrade
12/08/2025
Main works (8.30pm Monday 29 September 2025 – August 2026)
We’re closing one of the three escalators on platforms 9–14 during the main 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.
The upgrade is being delivered in stages to avoid closing platforms and to keep the station operating throughout the works. By replacing one escalator at a time and keeping the others running, we can minimise disruption for passengers and avoid major timetable changes.
Plan ahead and allow extra time
Platforms will be busier than usual during weekday peaks (7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm).
Escalator operations will change during peak times. So will how you enter 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
Weekday morning peak (7am – 10am): No escalators will be 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.
Weekday afternoon peak (3pm -7pm): No escalators will be going up at the Collins Street end of the platforms. 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
Need help at Southern Cross Station? Travellers Aid can assist. Call Travellers Aid on (03) 9670 2072, book online here or email [email protected].
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, Hurstbridge, Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein, Glen Waverley.
- Platforms 11/12: Craigieburn, Upfield, Frankston.
- Platforms 13/14: Werribee and Williamstown.
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.
The upgraded escalators will move faster, carry more people and be more reliable.
Thank you for your patience during the works.
Visit our Southern Cross Station travel information page for further information about Southern Cross Station.