About nine daily return services and faster journeys will be delivered for commuters in Shepparton, Victoria as works on Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade are scheduled to kick-off next month.
The delivery of Stage 3 is being fast-tracked by expanding on Stage 2 works that is already underway.
“The Australian Government provided the funding for Stage 3 to deliver the services Shepparton passengers have been waiting for, and now we’re making sure this work gets underway.
“Our record $110 billion infrastructure investment is all about delivering projects like this, where the community and economy will benefit simultaneously,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.
The Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage 3 will include:
Coleman Rail and KBR, in alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line, are currently delivering Stage 2 and will also be undertaking the delivery of the expanded loop and stabling facility.
“The Victorian Government has been working hard to get the Shepparton Line ready for this massive step.
“Our investment in the Shepparton Line Upgrade has already delivered extra services, and construction is well underway to bring modern VLocity trains to Shepparton for the first time,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
To enable works on the crossing loop to commence as well as for Stage 2 construction to progress along the line, coaches will be replacing trains between Southern Cross, Seymour and Shepparton beginning 4th September until 12th September.
“These upgrades will give Shepparton the fast and frequent rail service befitting its status as a major regional centre,” Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said.
The preferred contractor to deliver track and signalling upgrades is anticipated to be announced in the coming months along with the confirmation of signalling upgrades which subject to procurement, planning and environmental approvals.
During the construction blitz next month, site investigations will also get underway to collect data that will inform the track and signalling upgrades required to successfully deliver the project.
“Delivering four extra services to and from Shepparton each day will give people in communities along the line more options for their travel and a train service they can rely on,” State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said.
Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments, with a combined investment of $400 million.
The entire Shepparton Line Upgrade is being delivered as part of the Australian and Victorian Governments’ $4 billion joint investment on the State’s regional rail network, which aims to upgrade every regional passenger rail line in Victoria as well as create 3,000 jobs.
Stage 3 is due to be completed in late 2023, while Stage 2 is projected for completion in 2022.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build – Regional Rail Revival (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development