The Minister for Public Transport has announced the commencement of a major upgrade and infrastructure works along the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough train lines.
In a statement, the Minister, Melissa Horne said the $3.9 million package of maintenance and improvement works would run until 3 May, with coaches replacing Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough trains.
“Crews will focus on maintaining and renewing important infrastructure along the line, including the historic Melton Reservoir Viaduct,” Ms Horne said.
“The surface of the rail bridge over Toolern Creek and several culverts will be replaced, which allow water to pass under the tracks,” she said.
“The package of works also includes replacing and improving sections of track, installing signalling equipment and upgrading the road surface at the Dowling Road level crossing in Windermere.”
Ms Horne said constructors would follow the Chief Health Officer’s guidelines on work sites, including implementing social distancing wherever possible by limiting physical interaction between workers and limiting worker numbers.
“To help maintain physical distancing, replacement coaches are typically limited to 25 passengers per coach and the front two rows of seats are not available for passengers,” she said.
Ms Horne said that while coach services would run in order to provide an essential service for those who need it, people were still required to follow the Chief Health Officers guidelines and stay home.
