Bus loop opens as Geelong line upgrades continue

THE new bus loop at Marshall Station has opened, as the winter construction blitz on the station precinct continues.

The works are part of more than $1 billion of rail upgrades to the Geelong line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds stations, jointly funded by the federal and state governments.

They will remove level crossings at Fyans Street and the Surf Coast Highway and will duplicate tracks to enable more frequent train services.

The new Marshall Station bus loop aims to make the transport hub safer for pedestrians and boost local connectivity.

Features include improved shelters and upgraded seating, and will separate local buses and V/Line coaches from the expanded car park, which will soon have 200 new spaces.

Federal Corangamite MP Libby Coker said the new bus loop and improvements to the Geelong line were much-needed upgrades that would benefit the rapidly-growing local community.

“The new bus loop is an excellent outcome of the work being done between federal and state governments to provide better infrastructure for our region,” she said.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience as these upgrades are rolled out.”

At Marshall Station, crews are working to build a more modern and accessible station with a new second platform, pedestrian overpass and landscaped forecourt entrance under construction.

Ms Coker said passengers were already enjoying the new Marshall Station building, which opened last month and which provided station users with a sheltered waiting area for the first time.

“The upgrades to the Geelong line will make a massive difference for my local community – I’m very proud to see the progress to date, especially knowing the finish line is in sight,” she said.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King has said previously that the rail infrastructure upgrades to the Geelong line would deliver “huge benefits for passengers in Victoria’s south-west”.

“This significant investment will increase road safety and reduce the risks of serious crashes and fatalities, helping to keep south-west Victorians safe,” she said.

The Marshall Station upgrades are expected to be completed by late August.

For more information on the works, including travel disruptions, head to bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/regional-rail-revival/works-notices