Works commence on $114m Warrnambool Rail Line upgrade in VIC

VLocity trains will soon be able to travel to Warrnambool for the first time, with works now underway to upgrade 12 level crossings as part of the $114 million Warrnambool Rail Line upgrade.

Surveys of the crossings are currently being completed to prepare for the beginning of the construction phase of the project.

“This is Rail Safety Week, and while I remind motorists to take care at level crossings and always expect a train, I am also pleased that work is progressing to upgrade 12 level crossings on the Warrnambool Rail Line from Hunts Road in Moriac through to Station Road in Garvoc.

“These improvements are a key element of the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program which will improve services on every major passenger rail line in Victoria while also supporting more than 1,000 jobs,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said.

According to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, once surveying works are completed, crews will connect each crossing to the power grid before commencing trenching works early in 2019.

“Works on the crossings - from Station Road in Garvoc to Hunts Road in Moriac - will see boom barriers, bells, flashing lights and improved train detection technology installed, thereby substantially improving the safety of the line for motorists and train passengers,” Ms Allan said.

Source: Regional Rail Revival

The Warrnambool Rail Line upgrade will include:

• An additional crossing loop that will enable trains to pass each other
• Signalling upgrades between Warrnambool and Waurn Ponds
• Level crossing upgrades to improve safety along the rail line
• New train stabling facilities at Warrnambool that will support extra train services and pave the way for VLocity trains

“Work is underway on detailed planning and design work for the crossing loop and stabling upgrade, which will mean more frequent and reliable train services for communities on the Warrnambool line.

“We are currently completing ecological assessment and other investigations near the tracks to gather data on the condition of the line, which will assist us in the design and construction of the project,” Ms Allan said.

This project is also expected to create opportunities for local suppliers and workers through the Victorian Government’s Local Jobs First - Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP) initiative. Employment will include for apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets - for up to 10 per cent of the total work hours.

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Source: Premier of Victoria; Transport for Victoria; Regional Rail Revival