The Allan Labor Government has kicked off works to upgrade accessibility and connectivity at Ballarat Station that will make it easier for all passengers to get around the station precinct.
Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Melissa Horne today announced the work site for the project had been established, which will deliver a new pedestrian overpass, along with lifts and stairs installed at both platforms.
The revamped station will also include an upgrade to the northern entry to the station, with a new ramp and stairs to be built, along with improvements to lighting and landscaping.
The upgrades will help improve accessibility for people with a disability, prams or luggage and will mean they no longer have to use the Lydiard Street level crossing to change platforms.
To ensure the safety of both the community and crews, local buses will move to a temporary location on nearby Lydiard Street from Thursday, 30 January for the duration of the project.
Work will then start on removing sections of fencing, concrete paving and roof sheeting between the bus interchange and northern platform, and a small part of the southern station building, to make space for the new lift shaft and stairwell. Crews will also start relocating communications services in the project area.
In March, piling for the foundations of the new overpass will begin before works ramp up with excavation and construction of the lift shafts later this year.
Community feedback helped to shape the final designs which were released last year, with further architectural work completed to reduce the visual impacts of the new accessible overpass on the existing station buildings.
The project will be completed in 2026 and will build on the Ballarat Line Upgrade, which delivered an extra 135 weekly services for Ballarat and growing communities along the line.
As stated by Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"It's exciting to see works getting underway which will deliver a more accessible Ballarat Station for everyone."
"The new overpass, stairs, lifts and station entrance will make it easier for all transport users to get around the station and catch the train."
As stated by Member for Ballarat Juliana Addison
"We're getting on with delivering this important project, which will make it easier for passengers to move between platforms."
"We thank the community for their patience while crews carry on this work, which will transform accessibility at the station."
