Rail duplication works complete, services to resume

TRAIN services will fully resume on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines tomorrow (Monday, August 26), with the completion of 72 days of works as part of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project.

Construction included duplicating 8km of track, upgrading the Marshall and South Geelong stations, and replacing two level crossings at Surf Coast Highway in Grovedale and Fyans Street in South Geelong with rail bridges.

Fyans Street will feature a new road alignment, along with picnic facilities and rest areas available in the new open space around the rail bridge.

The works will improve reliability for rail services, making it easier for trains to pass each other and reducing unexpected delays.

The $933.6 million project’s upgrades have also increased capacity on the line to allow for future additional services between Marshall and Waurn Ponds stations, though it is unclear when those extra services will start.

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.

“Obviously we’ll need to be looking at that timetabling work, and that work will continue,” Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said about the additional services.

“But we’re moving forward to making sure we’ve got Vlocity [trains] to be able to run all the way down to Warrnambool.”

Both new stations 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.

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson visited South Geelong Station today to mark the completion of major works, alongside Geelong MP Christine Couzens, Bellarine MP Alison Marchant, Lara MP Ella George and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney.

“Our massive investment in rail upgrades in Geelong and Warrnambool is delivering huge benefits for local motorists and train passengers,” Ms Allan said.

“It’s a great example of infrastructure that’s being delivered for regional communities in partnership between state and federal governments.”

Mr Marles said the completion of the works was an exciting day for Geelong.

“For those of us who have been in and around South Geelong Station throughout our lives, to see it now with two platforms is genuinely remarkable.

“This has been an incredibly rapid transformation.”

For more information on the project, head to regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/geelong