Two new tram extensions proposed for Arden as part of Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy

Two major tram extensions into Arden have been proposed as part of Victoria’s new long-term infrastructure blueprint, with planners arguing the upgrades are critical to supporting population growth in the inner north-west.

The draft Victoria’s Infrastructure Strategy 2025–2055 outlines 45 recommendations across transport, health, housing, energy and social infrastructure.

As a part of this, it has recommended a $1 billion to $1.6 billion package that would deliver two new tram lines, alongside level crossing removals and a rebuilt Macaulay Rd bridge over Moonee Ponds Creek.

The proposals come as the precinct prepares for significant change, with the state government planning for 15,000 residents by 2051.

The report argues new tram connections would make the most of the Metro Tunnel’s expanded capacity – particularly the new Arden Station – by linking the area directly with key parts of the network and easing pressure on busy St Kilda Rd routes.

Under the strategy, the Arden tram extensions would run from Swanston St to Kensington, creating a new north-west corridor, and from Spencer St to Flemington Bridge, establishing an additional east–west connection across Moonee Ponds Creek.

Modelling suggests the extensions could generate 17,000 additional public transport trips each day, improving access to jobs, reducing road congestion and lowering transport emissions.

Beyond Arden, the strategy positions tram expansion as a key lever in meeting Victoria’s target of building 800,000 new homes over the next decade, with 70 per cent slated for established suburbs.

However, only half of new approvals between 2022 and 2024 were in these areas, and and tram routes serving existing activity centres – such as the 86, 96 and 109 – are already severely overcrowded.

To support higher-density living, the report recommends adding around 300 additional peak-hour tram services each week, as well as boosting evening and weekend frequencies so residents can rely less on private cars.

The strategy also recommends changes to Melbourne’s Upfield rail line, including upgraded power and signalling between North Melbourne and Upfield to allow more frequent services, and a new track between Gowrie and Upfield to improve reliability and prevent single delays from impacting the whole line. •