The Andrews Labor Government will upgrade 20 level crossings on the Warrnambool line this year to improve safety and restore services to timetable.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan revealed the $10 million package of works today, which will allow speed restrictions put in place after the horrific crash at Pirron Yallock last year to be lifted.
Over the next ten months, the Labor Government will install lights, bells and boom gates at 20 high-risk level crossings between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool.
The Labor Government’s Safer Country Crossings program has already upgraded three level crossings on the Warrnambool line – at Phalps Road in Pirron Yallock, Flaxmill Road in Colac and Sandys Lane in Gnotuk.
A further eight crossings earmarked as part of the program will be fast tracked and 12 addition crossings will be upgraded, enabling trains to run safely on-time again by the end of the year.
While these works are undertaken, Warrnambool services will continue to be delayed and passengers will need to allow an extra 15-20 minutes for their journey.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“The level crossing upgrades will improve safety, remove speed restrictions and restore services to timetable.”
“It’s the biggest investment in the level crossing upgrades ever seen on the Warrnambool line and follows the 12 new train services we introduced last month – the first new services for Warrnambool in more than a decade.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“These speed restrictions are in place for people’s safety but I know the delays have been frustrating for local passengers. We hear you and we are acting.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020