The Albanese and Allan Labor governments are forging ahead with a winter construction blitz in Victoria's southwest to ease congestion and deliver safer journeys.
Major construction on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication - including two rebuilt stations and removal of two congested level crossings - is anticipated to be finished in late 2024.
From Saturday 15 June until Sunday 25 August coaches will replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool.
This will allow more than 1,000 workers to finish upgrades to Marshall and South Geelong stations including more than eight kilometres of track duplication and the removal of the two level crossings.
These upgrades will deliver safer and more accessible stations for the booming communities south of Geelong, and reduce congestion for the thousands of motorists travelling on Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway each day.
In order to remove the congested level crossings, the Fyans Street roundabout will be closed from Wednesday 12 June until Monday 26 August, as crews move the 2,000-tonne rail bridge into place and realign the intersection under the rail bridge.
The Surf Coast Highway will also be closed at the level crossing in late July to remove the level crossing and complete road resurfacing.
There will be additional level crossing closures between South Geelong and Grovedale to allow track duplication to take pace, with closures planned for Yarra Street, Swanston Street, Barwon Terrace, Reserve Road and Marshalltown Road later in winter, with further announcements on relevant timing to come.
Upgrades to train detection technology at the last of 53 public level crossings on the Warrnambool Line will also be completed while trains aren't running, enabling the introduction of modern and accessible VLocity trains. Axle counters are being installed at these level crossings, along with boom gates, bells and flashing lights at 16 of these crossings making them compatible with VLocity trains as part of Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade.
The Australian Government has committed close to $785 million to the $933.6 million project with the Victorian Government contributing the remaining $149.5 million.
This includes an additional Australian Government commitment of $34.1 million in the recent Federal Budget.
More information on the project can be found at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/geelong.
As stated by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"We are on the home stretch for our massive investment in critical upgrades to rail infrastructure in Geelong and Warrnambool, with this blitz to deliver huge benefits for passengers in Victoria's southwest.
"This significant investment will increase road safety and reduce the risks of serious crashes and fatalities, helping to keep southwest Victorians safe."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson:
"We're getting on with future proofing the Geelong Line removing the first two regional level crossings, duplicating track and upgrading stations to enable more frequent and reliable services for Geelong communities."
"We are making critical investments across Victoria's southwest to keep people moving faster and safer."
As stated by Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker:
"More and more people are choosing to call southwest Victoria home, so we're investing in the infrastructure this area needs to keep up with the growing demand.
"The Australian Government is supporting the delivery of the infrastructure that improves safety and revitalises the Geelong, Surf Coast, Bellarine and Golden Plains regions to match their continued population growth."
