The Australian and Victorian governments are improving transport connections in Victoria's growing eastern region with works at Morwell and Traralgon stations ramping up.
The waiting room on the new platform at Morwell Station is taking shape, while crews have also started signal cabling route works in the car park as works progress on the brand-new platform.
Traralgon Station is also progressing well with construction on the new second platform and accessible overpass beginning in the coming weeks.
The new overpass will be fully accessible with four lifts and feature a bright, light interior and full cover for protection from the weather.
The existing pedestrian overpass at Traralgon Station will be closed from Friday 5 August to enable construction of the new overpass, with a free shuttle bus service in place for locals and passengers needing to cross the line.
The upgraded Traralgon Station will feature a relocated bus interchange to better align with the Traralgon Station Precinct Masterplan - enabling more seating, shelter and shade.
The additional platforms at Morwell and Traralgon stations, along with Bunyip and Longwarry, will help enable much-needed extra services during peak periods from Traralgon to Melbourne, with major construction aiming to be completed in late 2022.
The project will also deliver a new signalling system for the Gippsland Line, future-proofing the line and improving reliability. Testing and commissioning of the new system, which will enable 40-minute off-peak services, will take place in 2023.
The $532.8 million Gippsland Rail Line Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
Works already completed as part of the Gippsland Line Upgrade include the construction of a new Avon River bridge, level crossing upgrades between Sale and Bairnsdale, and improvements to stabling facilities in Bairnsdale - allowing the new modern and reliable VLocity trains to run to and from Bairnsdale for the first time.
Gippsland Line Upgrade works will continue from Wednesday 27 July until Sunday 7 August, with coaches replacing trains during level crossing removal works, including drainage improvements at Bunyip and Longwarry stations and trenching works for level crossing upgrades.
Temporary coach replacement timetables for Gippsland Line services will be available at vline.com.auExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"Our significant investment in road and rail upgrades across eastern Victoria will improve safety and reliability for the booming communities for years to come."
"Through major projects including the Gippsland Line Upgrade and Princes Highway East Upgrade, we're better connecting locals and making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy everything eastern Victoria has to offer."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"The Gippsland Line Upgrade is replacing and improving ageing infrastructure and future-proofing the line for further growth."
