Major maintenance and renewal works will kick off next month on the Seymour and Shepparton lines as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s work to get passengers where they need to go sooner.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said around 200 V/Line workers will complete $10 million of work to upgrade track, signalling and structures along both lines, to improve reliability across both lines.
From Saturday 25 August until Sunday 9 September, coaches will replace all Seymour and Shepparton trains to and from Southern Cross Station.
A bus plan will be developed to provide the most direct and convenient journey for passengers. Albury services will continue to run as per normal.
To minimise disruptions to passengers, these works will coincide with works on the Buckley Street level crossing removal to reduce disruption for passengers.
During this period, crews will be completing a range of works including replacing the station pit at Donnybrook, removing the existing track near the station platform, adding new ballast and laying new track.
Further works will involve platform renewal at Wandong Station, signal upgrades in Kilmore East, a bridge deck replacement at Dysart, culvert replacements near Mangalore, sleeper replacements in Murchison East and mud hole removals along the line.
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and allow an extra 60 minutes travel time.
For Shepparton passengers, these works come on top of an extra $356 million invested by the Labor Government for the Shepparton Line Upgrade, which will pave the way for 9 return services every day and allow V/Locity trains to travel to Shepparton for the first time.
For more information and the temporary timetable visit vline.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re getting on with vital upgrades to track, signalling and stations along the Seymour and Shepparton lines to provide a more safe and reliable service for passengers."
“We’ve scheduled this work to reduce disruption and we thank passengers in advance for their patience – but it needs to be done to get locals where they need to go sooner.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“The community has told us that we need to do more to improve the reliability and comfort along the Seymour line – and these works are an important step to achieving a better service.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“We’re building new trains, better infrastructure and delivering extra services for regional Victorians. This government is looking after Northern Victorians, ensuring they get home safely.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020