The Ballan community will soon have a more accessible train station with upgrades starting during last weekend’s construction blitz on the line.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today announced that crews and equipment were now on site at the station and preparatory work was underway.
The work is a key part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade, which is also upgrading stations at Bacchus Marsh, Wendouree and Rockbank, as well as building a new station at Toolern.
Work at Ballan Station started this past weekend, while coaches replaced trains on the Ballarat line and included earthworks to prepare for installation of the second track at the station. This second track allows more services to be added to the line and help boost reliability.
The Ballan Station upgrade includes a second platform and accessible pedestrian overpass to support improved services and better access for passengers. It also features a better bus bay layout, new bicycle storage, CCTV cameras and lighting.
Feedback from the Ballan community indicated that convenient access, especially for the elderly and passengers with mobility aids and prams, was crucial to improving the station.
The new overpass will include lifts and ramps to ensure all passengers can access both platforms.
There will be some changes to parking and pedestrian access while construction work is happening. Major construction will commence soon, with more information about the parking changes to be communicated to passengers in the coming weeks.
Significant progress has been made so far on the Ballarat Line Upgrade, with more than 400,000 hours worked on the project since major construction started early this year.
During this weekend’s work blitz, crews worked on duplicating the Toolern Creek rail bridge, building the new stabling facility at Maddingley and installed new track in sections between Caroline Springs and Melton.
The Ballarat Line Upgrade will transform the state’s second busiest regional train line. It will enable much needed extra services in the morning and afternoon peak periods, plus a train every 40 minutes off-peak for growing communities along the line.
The $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
Train services will return to normal from tomorrow, Tuesday 9 October. More information about the project is available at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Thanks to all Ballan Station passengers for your patience while we get to work improving your station.”
“We’re getting on with real projects that will deliver a better station, easier access for all passengers and importantly, more frequent and reliable services on the line.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020