Plans unveiled for major rail upgrades

DETAILED designs for a new rail bridge over the Surf Coast Highway have been released as the state government prepares to start work on Grovedale’s peak hour bother spot.

Marshall Station is also in line for an upgrade as part of a $1-billion suite of projects to deliver more frequent and reliable train services through urban Geelong.

The projects are now open for final consultation before workers begin construction.

The new rail bridge would replace the highway crossing which allows vehicles to pass under to reduce boom gate delays for the Geelong-Torquay link.

The state government says boom gates are currently down for 22 per cent of morning peaks and 15 per cent of evening peaks and expects the new crossing to cut travel times for 29,000 vehicles that use the road daily.

The project involves shifting the soon-to-be duplicated rail line slightly south, creating a green space break and opportunities for walking and cycling paths at the current rail line.

Shared paths would connect South Geelong to Waurn Ponds once the project is finished.

Meanwhile, Marshall’s rail station would be completely rebuilt to include a second platform, station building and waiting room, with a pedestrian overpass between platforms.

The station would also get an expanded car park with 200 extra spaces and revamp to traffic flow, separating cars and buses.

The state government is seeking community feedback on its final designs, including the colour scheme of new structures, public artworks, landscaping and recognition of local heritage.

Consultation is open at the Engage Victoria website: engage.vic.gov.au/marshall-station-and-surf-coast-hwy-level-crossing-consultation

Feedback closes on October 9.

The state government expects to begin construction on the upgrades by the end of this year for completion in late-2024.

Consultation closed earlier this month on an upgrade to South Geelong Station and a rail bridge at Fyans Street, which would remove a five-way roundabout level crossing.

The government has the same construction timelines for those projects.

The station upgrades and level crossing removals are part of the broader South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project, that will enable five trains an hour at peak times once built by the end of 2024.