By Esther Lauaki
Construction on the Ballarat line upgrade is ramping up in December.
Coaches will replace trains between December 8-16, while more than 300 crew members work around the clock at Maddingley and Bacchus Marsh.
Regional Rail Revival director Mark Havryluk said work on train stabling at Maddingley will continue and should be operational from early 2019.
The line’s existing stabling at Bacchus Marsh will be removed upon its completion.
“The new stabling has room to store six VLocity trains and will be a key part of enabling more services to run on the Ballarat line,” Mr Havryluk said.
“Removing the existing stabling
will prepare for major upgrades at Bacchus Marsh station, including building a new platform and pedestrian overpass for a more accessible station for passengers.”
While trains are not running, new tracks will be laid at key points along the line between Caroline Springs station and Melton, and earthworks for the Millbrook and Ballan passing loops will continue.
Construction will begin on new platforms at Rockbank station, where a new accessible overpass will be lifted into place as part of the station’s rebuild.
Mr Havryluk said while disruption had been minimised as much as possible, some construction could only take place while trains were not running to keep workers and passengers safe.
Passengers are urged to plan ahead while coaches replace trains and allow 45 minutes’ extra travel time.
Information is available at www.vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007.
