More than 240 new carpark spaces will be available at Ballan railway station when upgrades are completed next January.
Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder last week announced a contract had been awarded to Civilex to start works on stage one of the $14.1 million Ballarat line upgrade.
The upgrades will link the two existing carparks at Ballan station, increasing capacity of free commuter car parking to more than 240 spaces. In the first two stages of the upgrades, the carpark will increase by up to 45 spaces.
Mr Mulder said the state government investment would also improve access for buses and coaches. A total of 217 V/Line trains a week stop at Ballan station with 600 people using the service on a typical weekday.
Liberal candidate for Buninyong Ben Taylor said the second stage of the works would include the 2015 construction of a new one-kilometre passing loop at Rowsley, between Bacchus Marsh and Ballan.
“This will improve train punctuality and give V/Line more operational flexibility, including providing greater train frequency,” Mr Taylor said.
Following the upgrade, buses will enter by the existing eastern entrance and have a separate exit point.
Moorabool Shire chief executive Rob Croxford said the council looked forward to the proposed passing loops and, in the long term, duplication of the track to Ballarat. “Parking for commuters is a problem and more capacity is needed,” Mr Croxford said.
“We continue to work closely with the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure at the regional level to advocate for improvements to the transport network.”
Work at Ballan station is expected to be started by early next month.
