Disruptions ahead as rail works ramp up

MORE road closures and travel delays are ahead with major works across the state’s southwest slated for the coming winter months.

The construction blitz is part of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project which, when complete, will allow for more frequent train services, and Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade, which will allow for the introduction of VLocity train to the rail line.

Coaches are set to replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool from June 15 to August 25 as upgrades to Marshall and South Geelong stations are completed.

As part of the works, more than eight kilometres of track will be duplicated and, to reduce congestion, the level crossings on Fyans Street and the Surf Coast Highway will be removed.

This means the Fyans Street roundabout will be closed from June 12 to August 26, while the Surf Coast Highway will be closed at the level crossing from July 31 to August 17.

There will also be rolling level crossing closures between South Geelong and Grovedale to allow track duplication works to take place at Yarra Steet, Swanston Street, Barwon Terrace, Reserve Road and Marshalltown Road.

It is anticipated these closures will take place in late winter, with further announcements about the timing to come.

“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 south-west,” federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

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

The federal government has committed almost $785 million to the infrastructure upgrade works, including an additional contribution of $34.1 million announced in the federal budget earlier this month, while the state government has contributed $149.5 million to the project.

State Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said the Victorian government was making critical investments across Victoria’s southwest region to “keep people moving faster and safer”.

“We’re getting on with future proofing the Geelong Line, removing the first two regional level crossings, duplicating tracks and upgrading stations, to enable more frequent and reliable services for Geelong communities,” he said.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said an increasing number of people were choosing to call southwest Victoria home.

“We’re investing in the infrastructure this area needs to keep up with the growing demand.”

For more information on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project, head to regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/geelong