The Victorian Government have released the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a $518 million project for the transformation of train services in Ballarat, Melton and Melbourne’s west.
Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, released the RFP to build the project, which will create space for more trains, that run more often on the Ballarat line.
The Labor Government’s half-a-billion dollar upgrade will duplicate a 17km section of single track between Deer Park West and Melton, paving the way for future electrification of the line to Melton.
“This half a billion dollar project will give the people of Ballarat, Melton and Melbourne’s west the services they deserve – with space for more trains, more often,” said Ms. Allan.
The project will also duplicate a three kilometre section of track east of Warrenheip, build new crossing loops and create new train stabling at Melton and Rowsley to support more frequent, reliable services.
“This massive project will duplicate 20 km of single track on the Ballarat line and improve services for regular commuters and occasional train travellers alike,” said Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight.
Second platforms will be built at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations, and the existing platforms at Rockbank Station will be extended so passengers can use each carriage to get on or off the train.
Around 200 geotechnical investigations will be carried out for the Ballarat Line Upgrade. They began earlier in 2017 in Ballan and are now being carried out between Caroline Springs and Rockbank.
These investigations will continue over the coming months and provide critical information about ground conditions along the Ballarat line, which will inform how the project is designed and built.
The RFP documentation is now available with responses due by 1 May 2017.
Major construction on the Ballarat Line Upgrade will start early 2018, with the project to be complete by late 2019.
