By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Rail tracks will be duplicated and extra carpark space built as part of a multi-million dollar facelift to Ballan train station.
A second platform will be built at the station as part of stage one of the Ballarat railway line upgrades. Other upgrades include a pedestrian overpass, a new bus layout, bicycle storage and ramps and lifts for disabled access.
A 4.5 kilometre passing loop will be built from west of the Ingliston Road level crossing towards Old Melbourne Road.
Work should begin in coming months and are expected to finish next year. Improved security, lighting and landscaping will form part of the major overhaul.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the revamp, announced last Thursday, would respect Ballan station’s heritage aesthetic.
“Following a lot of consultation with the local community, [we’re] recognising that there are some wonderful heritage aspects at Ballan that we want to protect and preserve,’ she said.
“But [we need to] ensure we’re putting in the modern features that we need for more and more passengers here in Ballan to use the train services.”
The Ballarat line has been plagued with reliability issues and V/Line has been unable to meet its performance targets for almost two years. Ms Allan said the upgrades would help relieve congestion on the mostly single-track line.
“We’re working very hard right now to improve our performance,” Ms Allan said.
“A big part of it is making the big infrastructure improvements … we have to address those choke points on the Ballarat line.”
Public Transport Users Association spokesman Ben Lever said he was pleased the upgrades included duplicating the tracks at Ballan.
“At the moment, the line is mostly single track,” Mr Lever said.
“This means that there isn’t much capacity to run trains. If one train is delayed, the other will also be delayed.”
Rail Projects Victoria is seeking community feedback on tree planting and landscaping around the station.
For more information, or to take part in the consultation, visit www.regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/ballarat
