By Ewen McRae
Ballarat line commuters are being warned to plan for extended travel times, when trains stop running for two weeks as works at Rockbank station ramp up.
The Ballarat line will shut down between June 24 and July 7 for a two-week work blitz across the line.
Rockbank station will be out of service from July 8 and trains will not stop to drop off or pick up passengers until late August.
The station’s existing platforms will be demolished, with two new, longer platforms to be constructed as part of a major rebuild.
Part of the station’s new carpark will be open so passengers can park to catch shuttle buses, which will run every 20 minutes to and from Caroline Springs station to connect with Melbourne and Ballarat services.
Taxis will be available.
Rockbank station is expected to reopen in late August.
It will have new platforms, ramps and stairs, platform seating and canopies, myki facilities, lighting, CCTV, a carpark with 350 spaces and a pedestrian overpass with lifts.
Rockbank passengers are being asked to allow an extra 45 minutes travel time while coaches replace trains from June 24 to July 7 and an extra 15 minutes from July 8.
