Summer road and rail disruptions loom

ONGOING works on the Geelong and Warrnambool train lines, as well as along the Surf Coast Highway, will cause disruptions for road and public transport commuters throughout the summer, the State Government has warned.

As part of the State Government’s Big Build regional rail projects, the overhaul of rail services in the state’s southwest continues.

Work is underway on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication and Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade.

New train detection technology is also being installed on the Warrnambool line.

The Surf Coast Highway will be closed between Baanip Boulevard and the level crossing from 9.30pm until 6am on weeknights from November 27 until December 15, in order to install handrails, balustrates and art work by Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay O’Toole.

Buses will replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool from December 9 to the last service on December 10, and again from December 16 to the last service on December 17.

V/Line has scheduled annual maintenance and infrastructure updates on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines from February 3 to February 15.

Buses will replace Geelong line trains between Wyndham Vale and Waurn Ponds, and Warrnambool line trains between Wyndham Vale and Warrnambool.

Passengers are urged to allow an extra 60 minutes of travel time for their journey and to check the temporary coach replacement timetable, available on the V/Line and Public Transport Victoria websites.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said patience was appreciated, and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the services would be better in the long-term.

“We’ve saved regional Victorians millions of dollars through the regional fare cap and we’ll continue to provide more V/LINE services, while maintaining the transport network and making services more comfortable and reliable long-term,” she said.

In the past week a 47m, 80-tonne overpass was installed at South Geelong station above the rail line by a 600-tonne Metcalf crane.

The overpass will link to a second train platform, once the project is complete. Lifts and ramps will also be installed for accessibility.

Lift shafts have been installed at Marshall station and a steel frame is being built for a new station building that will include an enclosed waiting room for passengers.