Passengers on Victoria’s second busiest regional rail line are being asked to plan ahead in December and January while work on the final phase of the Ballarat Line Upgrade is underway.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said critical safety testing and driver training would take place during a five-week disruption from 28 December to 30 January.
State Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan said the completion of works on the Ballarat Line Upgrade would pave the way for more train services along the line.
“We’re thrilled passengers will soon see the full benefits of the Ballarat Line Upgrade, but first we must complete this crucial final step on the project, as we integrate new track, a new signalling system and other infrastructure onto the existing rail line,” Ms Allan said.
“It’s one of the most critical tasks undertaken on the project to date and it’s taken time to get the right resources in place to deliver this final piece of the project,” she said.
“Our rail experts have continued complex and extensive signalling design and planning work throughout the year in preparation for the commissioning, and passengers will soon enjoy the benefits of this hard work.”
Ms Allan said that while coaches replaced trains during the disruption, crews would install 500 metres of track duplication between Bacchus Marsh Station and Maddingley and at two level crossings in Ballan.
“Following commissioning and safety testing, trains and passengers will start using the new second platforms at Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Wendouree stations, and the accessible pedestrian overpass at Wendouree Station will be opened,” the Minister said.
