The Andrews Labor Government’s transformation of services for Ballarat, Melton and Melbourne’s west has been released to market.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today released the Request for Proposal (RFP) to build the $518 million project, which will create space for more trains, more often on the Ballarat line.
The Labor Government’s half-a-billion dollar upgrade will duplicate a 17-kilometre section of single track between Deer Park West and Melton, paving the way for future electrification of the line to Melton.
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.
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 this month 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 at tenders.vic.gov.au, with responses due by 1 May 2017.
Major construction on the Ballarat Line Upgrade will start early next year, with the project to be complete by late 2019. For further information or to sign up for updates, visit vic.gov.au/ballaratlineupgrade.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan
“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.”
“It’s the biggest rail project in regional Victoria, and we want the best in business to build it.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
"This massive project will duplicate 20 kilometres of single track on the Ballarat line and improve services for regular commuters and occasional train travellers alike."
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“This is yet another step towards delivering this vital project, which will enable more frequent, reliable trains to Ballarat, Ballan and other growing areas along the line.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020