The Andrews Labor Government has announced a construction blitz that will replace decades-old signalling between Richmond and Camberwell to reduce maintenance and ensure safe, reliable services for passengers.
The six-day blitz will deliver a $42 million package of works to replace ageing signalling infrastructure and upgrade the power supply along the corridor, bringing the line up to standard with the broader metropolitan network.
With the majority of the corridor relying on decades-old signalling infrastructure, in parts dating back to the 1920’s, the upgrade will improve reliability for passengers on those lines.
A team of around 200 people will work around the clock delivering the vital upgrades to ensure the project is completed ahead of a major construction blitz over summer on Melbourne’s road and rail network.
To enable these works to be delivered safely and efficiently, buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines from 8.30pm on Thursday, 30 November until the last service on Tuesday, 5 December.
Replacement buses will be operating to keep passengers moving between Parliament and Camberwell stations for passengers on the Belgrave/Lilydale/Alamein lines, and between Darling and Richmond stations for passengers on the Glen Waverley line.
A range of different buses will be operating, including express, limited express and stopping all stations services at varied times to help make passengers journey as direct as possible.
Passengers are advised to allow extra journey time ranging from 40 to 70 minutes when travelling into the City on the Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines during this time.
Passengers are advised to plan ahead, consider alternate travel options, and check ptv.vic.gov.au for up-to-date information.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’ll have 200 workers delivering much needed upgrades around the clock to upgrade decades-old signalling infrastructure between Richmond and Camberwell.”
“We’re getting it done – delivering vital improvements to our public transport system to get Victorians home safely and sooner.”
Quotes attributable to PTV CEO Jeroen Weimar
“We understand this will be frustrating for passengers, but these works are a crucial part of ensuring we can deliver a reliable service in the long-term for passengers on one of the busiest corridors on our network.”
“I strongly encourage passengers to plan ahead and rethink their travel where possible to avoid disruption, more information is available at ptv.vic.gov.au.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020