The Victorian Government will complete a two-week program of essential maintenance and renewal works on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca rail lines over the July school holidays.
Crews will work around the clock to complete improvements as part of V/Line's annual program of major improvement works, which is vital to the ongoing upkeep of the line. On the tracks between Bendigo and Sunbury lines work will focus on track infrastructure, including track upgrades through the Elphinstone tunnel and a renewal of the track that connects two lines near Bendigo Station.
In the Macedon forest, crews will replace rail reducing the risk of the rail cracking when exposed to rapid changes in temperature. On the Echuca and Swan Hill lines crews will replace or upgrade several bridges and culverts while signaling staff will deliver minor upgrades to the level crossing system at the Murray Valley Highway Echuca, to better coordinate traffic lights in the area.
General track, signal, vegetation and structure maintenance will also take place along the line, while V/Line's program of graffiti and waste removal, will continue. Crews will also take the opportunity to continue work on Bendigo's new bio-wash and train monitoring facilities while coaches are replacing trains.
Coaches will replace all Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca trains for the entire journey from Sunday 27 June to Sunday 11 July to allow the works to be completed, with train services resuming in time for students to return to school.
Once services return there will be a timetable change that sees a morning train from Eaglehawk to Southern Cross make a stop at Sunbury, providing a more convenient option for Macedon Ranges students to get to schools in the area.
A temporary coach replacement timetable will be available on the V/Line website closer to the start of works, so passengers can plan their journey with confidence. The website also has more information on the timetable change coming into place after the works.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
"Our annual program of major works is crucial to providing passengers a safe and comfortable journey and reducing the risk of delays caused by infrastructure faults."
"We're using the opportunity to see works along the entire line - to help increase reliability and punctuality along the line."
As stated by Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"Public transport connects our community - it's great to see major works happening along the line, to deliver more reliable services."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"We've worked hard to coordinate a number of different work programs so we could complete as many upgrades in the area as possible while minimising the disruption to services."
As stated by Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"We are continuing to invest in the local community - delivering on local projects that matter and will continue to drive our recovery and growth."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
"We thank the community for its patience while works get underway to deliver these vital upgrades that will ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers remain well into the future."
