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Labor Government’s Ballarat Line Transformation Begins

09 August 2016

Work to duplicate the train line between Deer Park and Melton is underway as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s half-a-billion dollar transformation of the Ballarat corridor.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Melton Don Nardella in Deer Park today where around a kilometre of rail will be duplicated, boosting the reliability of services for local passengers ahead of the Labor Government’s Ballarat Line Upgrade.

The work has been brought forward to coincide with construction of the new Caroline Springs Station, also being built by the Labor Government to improve public transport in Melbourne’s growing western suburbs.

While construction crews are on site, they will duplicate the line between Christies Road and the new station, and install new signalling.

This first section of double-track will open at the same time as the new Caroline Springs Station early next year.

The Labor Government’s $518 million upgrade of the Ballarat line will also commence in 2017 and will duplicate the line all the way to Melton, as well as a three kilometre section of single track west of Warrenheip.

Three extra crossing loops will also be built as part of the project – at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and near Bungaree.

These additional loops will provide more points for trains to pass each other, which will help services recover from unexpected delays more quickly, boosting reliability and punctuality.

These services will be bolstered by the Labor Government’s $280 million investment in 27 new V/Locity carriages, which will create space for 2000 extra passengers across the regional network.

New stabling facilities will be built at Melton and Rowsley to house the extra carriages needed and second platforms will be built at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations.

The existing platforms at Rockbank Station will also be extended so passengers can use each carriage to get on or off the train, and a sealed car park will also be built on the south-side of the Station.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

“The Andrews Labor Government’s transformation of the Ballarat corridor will deliver more frequent, reliable services to Melbourne’s west, Melton and communities right along the Ballarat line.”

“Over the next few years we’ll duplicate the track, build new passing loops and upgrade stations to make it easier to get to work, school and appointments, and home safer and sooner at the end of the day.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Melton, Don Nardella

“The second track to Melton will create space for more trains through Rockbank, Deer Park and the new station we are building at Caroline Springs, and pave the way for electrification of the line in the future.”

“Duplicating the Ballarat line to Melton has been talked about for decades. The time for talk is over, work is underway – we’re getting it done.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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