Trains will return on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines, with the Australian and Victorian Governments' 72-day construction blitz on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication now complete.
Trains will return to the line tomorrow following intensive works that duplicated eight kilometres of track, upgraded Marshall and South Geelong stations and removed two dangerous level crossings.
Trains will now travel over new rail bridges at Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway, with the removal of the two level crossings reducing congestion for the tens of thousands of drivers that use these roads each day.
Fyans Street will feature a new streamlined road alignment, along with picnic facilities and rest areas available in the new open space around the rail bridge.
The duplication of more than eight kilometres of track between South Geelong Station and Breakwater Road, and from Marshalltown Road to Waurn Ponds Station, will improve reliability for services - making it easier for trains to pass each other and reducing unexpected delays.
The project's upgrades have also increased capacity on the line to allow for future additional services between Marshall and Waurn Pond stations, which both feature a second platform, accessible pedestrian overpasses, 300 new car parking spaces, improved shelter and CCTV to improve safety for passengers.
Crews will continue minor works at the stations including finishing the Yarra Street car park entrance and lifts at South Geelong Station, and the forecourt and lifts at Marshall Station, with work on landscaping and walking and cycling paths to continue in spring.
Upgrades to train detection technology have also been completed on the remaining public level crossings between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool as part of Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade, which will enable the introduction of VLocity trains by the end of the year.
The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication total project cost is $933.6 million with the Australian Government committing $784.1 million.
To learn more about the project, visit regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/geelong.
Quote attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles:
"This project is delivering the improvements needed to support the growth of Geelong, now and into the future, as it continues to thrive."
Quote attributable to Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan:
"Our massive investment in rail upgrades in Geelong and Warrnambool is delivering huge benefits for local motorists and train passengers."
Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is delivering critical rail upgrades to Geelong and Warrnambool, which will allow commuters to enjoy safer, quicker and more reliable journeys."
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson:
"The Geelong community has said a big goodbye to two congested level crossings, with thousands of drivers to enjoy smoother and safer journeys on the Surf Coast Highway and Fyans Street every day."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker:
"People in Grovedale, Surf Coast, and across the Bellarine have been asking for this rail duplication and removal of the level crossings for years and we've finally done it - it will mean more trains on the line and shorter, safer travel."
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney:
"We thank the Geelong community for their patience as we finished these vital works so that we can deliver more services across Victoria's south west."
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Geelong Christine Couzens:
"This rail duplication will not only allow more rail services in the future, it opens up public space around the rail bridge and provides safer, more efficient local roads."
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Lara Ella George:
"This vital transport infrastructure will deliver faster and safer connections for the wider Geelong community for decades to come."
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant:
"These upgrades will have lasting benefits to Bellarine commuters and provide a more reliable service."
