Better services are on the way for Geelong and Warrnambool line passengers, with the contract to deliver key components of the two line upgrades awarded to Downer.
The contract includes signalling upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool, as well as a new crossing loop at Boorcan to boost reliability and improve recovery times from unexpected delays on the Warrnambool Line.
Once complete, the Warrnambool Line Upgrade will deliver a fifth return service between Melbourne and Warrnambool.
Waurn Ponds Station will be upgraded as part of Stage 1 of the Geelong Line Upgrade, including a second platform, duplicated track, a pedestrian overpass, improved and new parking, bicycle storage facilities and additional CCTV, lighting and myki machines.
Construction will begin on the Geelong and Warrnambool line upgrades in mid-2020 and is targeted for completion in late-2021.
The contract also includes the construction of the new Waurn Ponds stabling facility, which will allow V/Line trains to be housed overnight, enabling more frequent services in the future.
Planning work is underway on the Waurn Ponds Duplication Project, as part of Stage 2 of the Geelong Line Upgrade, to allow more services to be introduced to the state’s busiest line.
The track will be duplicated from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds and includes level crossing removals at Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway and upgrading South Geelong and Marshall stations.
The Australian and Victorian governments have invested more than $2 billion in the Regional Rail Revival program, which is upgrading every regional passenger rail line in Victoria and creating 1,000 jobs.