Warrnambool passengers will get safer, more reliable train services following upgrades to 22 level crossings along the line.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today announced the completion of the level crossing upgrades – part of the $50 million Safer Country Crossings Program and an additional $10 million package of works announced early this year.
The upgrades will improve journey times for local passengers by allowing temporary speed restrictions to be lifted. The restrictions were put in place in October 2016 after a truck hit a train at Phalps Road in Pirron Yallock.
The 22 level crossings between Geelong and Warrnambool now have boom gates, bells, flashing lights and axle counters – boosting safety for passengers, train crew and approaching motorists.
Ten crossings were earmarked for upgrades as part of the Safer Country Crossings Program, and a further 12 were added to the list, with the work fast-tracked to boost safety sooner.
The removal of the temporary speed restrictions will mean further improved journey time, which will be reflected in a new timetable being introduced on Sunday 28 January.
The safety boost builds on the 12 new services on the Warrnambool line added earlier in the year – the first new services in more than a decade – and the 30 new semi-express services introduced in August, which run express through most stations between Geelong and Melbourne.
Warrnambool passengers have even more to look forward to, with $114 million being invested in the line as part of the $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival program.
The Warrnambool Line Upgrade will deliver safer and more reliable journeys and pave the way for VLocity trains to run to Warrnambool.
The timetable is now available to download at vline.com.au and can be picked up at staffed stations from Monday 8 January.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’ve improved the journey times for Warrnambool line passengers, but most importantly we’ve made their train journey safer by upgrading 22 level crossings along the line.”
“After the horrific crash at Pirron Yallock we said we’d make these crossings safer – and we’ve got it done.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“I thank passengers for their patience as we made it safer for locals, passengers and motorists and continue to make our trains more reliable.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020