Big changes continue at stations

By Meg Kennedy

Recent bus replacements and street closures may have caused agony for some train commuters, but a blitz at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations has created rapid progress.
The two-week blitz earlier this month at both train stations saw upgrades continue, which have been under construction since October 2017 as part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade.
A new pedestrian overpass at Bacchus Marsh Station was lifted into place, with concrete footings placed onto the platform.
Ballan station saw work continue on their new pedestrian overpass, as well as erecting steel supports for the overpass ramps.
The train track was also duplicated through the Cowie and Windle Street level crossings, with an additional track lifted in at Stead Street.
Regional Rail Revival Director Mark Havryluk said, “great progress was made during the blitz”, and crews have reached a milestone of more than one million hours work since construction began.
“There is still more construction to complete and we’ll be keeping passengers informed about our progress and any future works blitzes,” he said.
Crews will continue work on car park upgrades, with a new car park at Bacchus Marsh, as well as construction on the new platforms and overpasses at both stations.
Workers will also continue to lay tracks between Bacchus Marsh and Maddingley to complete 3km of track duplication, as well as at the 4.5km Ballan passing loop.
“Ballan and Bacchus Marsh communities will get some great benefits from the project, with much more convenient and accessible stations and more reliable services,” said Mr Havryluk.
Construction on the Ballarat Line Upgrade is due for completion by the end of the year.
Coaches will replace some evening trains on the Ballarat Line from Sunday 28 July to Tuesday 30 July to complete maintenance.
The next construction blitz on the line will be from Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 August, when coaches will replace trains on the Ballarat line.
More information, including temporary timetables, will be available closer to the time.