Victoria’s Shepparton Line Upgrade is progressing well with construction on Stage 3 now underway, taking this significant rail transport development a step closer to delivering more frequent and reliable services in the region.
During a construction blitz in September, the crossing loop at Murchison East was extended – as part of Stage 3 works – while trains were not running on the line. At that time, crews clocked in approximately 17,000 work hours to undertake earthworks, drainage and signalling works as well as removal of parts of the track.
Other works delivered during the nine-day construction blitz include site investigations to further inform the design for the Stage 3 track and signalling upgrades.
In addition, works on Stage 2 also progressed during the construction blitz, delivering infrastructure that will enable modern VLocity train to travel on the line for the first time.
The Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage 3 will include:
On the project’s web page, it said: “Stage 3 of the project will be accelerated by expanding on the upgrades already underway as part of Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade.
“The new stabling facility being built north of Shepparton to house modern and reliable VLocity trains will be expanded, to accommodate even more trains and enable more service.
“The Murchison East crossing loop will also be extended by an additional 1.1-kilometre to enable a 1,200-metre freight train and two six-car VLocity trains to pass each other, making services more reliable.”
The Australian and Victorian Governments have jointly funded $400 million to deliver the Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage 3.
The entire Shepparton Line Upgrade is anticipated to create approximately 600 jobs across the project.
Stage 2 is due to be completed in late 2022 while Stage 3 is expected to be completed in late 2023.
Source: Victoria’s Big Build – Shepparton Line Upgrade (1, 2); Inside Construction