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Getting On With The Ballarat Line Upgrade

20 April 2018

Train passengers are urged to plan ahead later this month as critical works on the Ballarat Line Upgrade continue and maintenance on the Ararat line is carried out.

Work will take place at various points along the Ballarat line over four days from the last weekend of April, when V/Line trains will be replaced by coaches. While the line is closed, crews will continue to install safety fencing and complete earthworks to enable track duplication from Caroline Springs to Melton.

Work will also start on the new Toolern Creek rail bridge, including geotechnical testing for the bridge foundations and the installation of a temporary creek crossing for construction machinery. A site compound will be located within the Toolern Creek reserve, to store machinery and equipment at the site.

Other essential works taking place while trains are not running include utility relocations to ensure rail signalling can continue to be used during construction, earthworks in preparation for construction of a new bridge at Toolern Creek and installation of safety fencing at the location of the new Millbrook passing loop.

There will be changes to pedestrian access and parking at Rockbank Station to pave the way for the station rebuild.

V/Line is also taking the opportunity to complete maintenance on the Ballarat line at the same time, as well as a large package of works on the Ararat line, which will require this section to be closed for a further seven days until Tuesday 8 May.

This will include upgrading the Mt Emu Creek rail bridge at Trawalla, as well as re-railing at Beaufort. Other improvement works will include mud hole removal near Buangor and track maintenance along the line.

Coaches will replace trains between Southern Cross Station and Ballarat, Wendouree and Ararat from Saturday 28 April to Tuesday 1 May. Maryborough trains will connect with coaches at Ballarat Station.

Ballarat trains will return for the first service on Wednesday 2 May, while coaches will continue to replace Ararat trains until Tuesday 8 May.

Passengers are urged to allow 45 minutes additional travel time and can plan their journey at vline.com.au or by calling 1800 800 007.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“We’re getting on with the Ballarat Line Upgrade and we thank passengers for their continued patience as we deliver these important upgrades.”

“All this work will mean Ballarat passengers will experience more reliable services to meet our increased demand.”

“The improvements delivered by the Ballarat Line Upgrade are critical to support the booming population in Melbourne’s outer west and Ballarat.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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