Rockbank locals will soon have access to a new and improved train station, as part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade.
Locals got an early look at the station today, ahead of its official reopening to passengers and train services tomorrow.
The station’s transformation, which began more than 18 months ago, involved demolishing its short platforms and rebuilding them to accommodate a six-carriage VLocity train.
Hundreds of people worked day and night for two months, pouring almost 700 cubic metres of concrete and installing more than six kilometres of cabling for lighting, CCTV and signalling.
Passengers will now benefit from a modern station with boosted security thanks to CCTV and better accessibility with lifts and ramps available for people with mobility aids or prams.
The new station features a 350-space car park, making it easier for commuters to find a parking space, as well as myki facilities, enhanced lighting, secure bike storage and platform shelters.
The station will service Rockbank’s growing population, which grew by almost 30 per cent between 2011 and 2016.
The Ballarat Line Upgrade includes a new station at Cobblebank and upgrades at Wendouree, Ballan and Bacchus Marsh stations.
This will allow extra peak services and trains to run every 40 minutes in the off-peak to meet growing demand along the line.
Crews have already worked more than one million hours on the Ballarat Line Upgrade, laying almost 30 kilometres of track, pouring 7,000 cubic metres of concrete, and digging almost 55,000 cubic metres of rock.
Construction on the remainder of the project is due for completion by the end of the year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We said we’d deliver a new and improved station at Rockbank and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
“The upgraded station will be a huge asset to this rapidly growing community, providing access to reliable transport people need with modern, accessible facilities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz
“Train services are back tomorrow, and I’d like to thank the Rockbank community for their support and understanding while we transformed their station.”
“Just months ago, Rockbank Station consisted of two platforms and a gravel car park – it’s fantastic to see its massive transformation.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020