Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade is set to undergo a major works package over winter that will see the completion of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication and level crossing upgrades.
From Saturday 15 June until Sunday 25 August coaches will replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool while more than 1,000 workers and contractors finish upgrades to Marshall and South Geelong stations, including more than 8km of track duplication and the removal of the two level crossings.
Passengers in the booming communities south of Geelong can look forward to safer and more accessible stations, while congestion is due to be reduced for more than 46,000 motorists travelling on Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway each day.
To remove the congested level crossing for good, the Fyans Street roundabout will be closed from Wednesday 12 June until Monday 26 August as crews move the 2,000t rail bridge into place, build the bridge embankments and realign the intersection under the rail bridge.
Surf Coast Highway will also be closed at the level crossing from Wednesday 31 July until Saturday 17 August to remove the level crossing and complete road resurfacing.
There will also be rolling level crossing closures between South Geelong and Grovedale to enable track duplication to take place at Yarra Street, Swanston Street, Barwon Terrace, Reserve Road and Marshalltown Road.
Upgrades to train detection technology at the last of 53 public level crossings on the Warrnambool Line will also be completed while trains aren’t running, to enable the introduction of modern and accessible VLocity trains.
Axle counters are being installed at the last 17 level crossings, along with boom gates, bells and flashing lights at six of these crossings making them compatible with VLocity trains.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is on the home stretch of its investment in critical upgrades to rail infrastructure in Geelong and Warrnambool, with this blitz to deliver huge benefits for passengers in Victoria’s southwest.
“This significant investment will increase road safety and reduce the risks of serious crashes and fatalities, helping to keep southwest Victorians safe,” Ms King said.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Danny Pearson, said that these efforts to future proof the Geelong Line by removing the first two regional level crossings, duplicating track and upgrading stations, will enable more frequent and reliable services for Geelong communities.
“We are making critical investments across Victoria’s southwest to keep people moving faster and safer.”
Featured image: Victoria’s Big Build workers. Image: Victorian Government.
