Work on the $44.5 million Shepparton Line Upgrade will soon start ahead of the original time frame of 2020 for the new train services to run.
The Victorian Government will fast-tracks the works needed to run a fifth service to the region in 2019, ahead of the original timeframe of 2020.
“We’re fast-tracking this important upgrade to give locals and visitors of Victoria’s fifth-largest city the transport services they expect and deserve.” Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.
The project will upgrade the stabling at Shepparton Station to house the trains needed to enable a fifth daily return service to Shepparton — giving passengers more choice on when they travel.
The stabling upgrade will be delivered by V/Line.
The investment also includes extending a crossing loop to allow trains to pass one another, so services can recover more quickly from disruptions and to minimise conflict between passenger and freight trains.
The final location of the crossing loop is currently being assessed.
Work will get underway shortly near the rail line as site investigations are carried out to finalise the design and planning process.
The delivery of the Shepparton Line Upgrade will be overseen by the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority (MMRA) as part of the Regional Rail Revival program.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp, said “this long-awaited investment will be welcomed by Shepparton locals and we’re looking forward to delivering the extra train services sooner than expected.”
The works are part of the Victorian Government’s recent announcement of 29 additional coach services between Seymour and Shepparton from mid-2018, to address gaps in the current timetable and spread services throughout the day in advance of the extra train services being provided in 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Local passengers have been calling for better train services and improved connections for Shepparton and we’re delivering exactly that, sooner.”
