Modern trains and more services for the Shepparton Line

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Shepparton passengers can look forward to more frequent and reliable trains, with work underway on Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, and new funding from the Victorian Government to deliver the Stage 3 of the project which will enable nine return weekday services on the line.

Crews are carrying out non-destructive digging, feature surveys, geotechnical drilling and excavating test pits for soil and groundwater samples along the line to inform construction of Stage 2 of the project.

The construction contract for Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade has been awarded to Coleman Rail and KBR as part of an alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line.

Train detection technology will be upgraded at 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton to feature boom gates, bells and flashing lights to improve safety for train passengers and road users to allow VLocity trains to travel on the line for the first time.

Stage 2 also includes a new stabling facility north of Shepparton Station and platform extensions at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations for the longer VLocity trains, as well as a crossing loop extension at Murchison East to give trains more room to pass each other in this section.

The work will improve service reliability on the Shepparton Line and provide passengers with more comfortable journeys.

Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade is targeted for completion in late 2022.

The Australian and Victorian governments have also funded $400 million for Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, which will allow trains to travel up to 130km/h and enable nine return services to and from Melbourne every weekday.

Stage 3 of the project will include track speed and signalling upgrades between Seymour and Shepparton to enable trains to travel faster, and expanded stabling for VLocity trains to support more services.

This investment brings the Victorian Government contribution to the Shepparton Line Upgrade to an unprecedented $436 million, and the total investment in the line to more than $750 million, creating 600 jobs across the project.

The project will get shovels in the ground and provide opportunities for local suppliers, boosting the local regional economy as we get through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more on the Shepparton Line Upgrade.

Shepparton Line Upgrade