Station on track in upgrade

By Helen Tatchell

According to the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, the Ballarat rail line will soon have better stations and services.
The transformation of the line is well underway at a huge cost of half-a-billion dollars, and includes a new second platform, secure bicycle storage and improved security, lighting and landscaping, and a 4.5km passing loop at Ballan.
The structures are now in place to support Ballan Station’s new pedestrian overpass, which will include stairs, ramps and lifts to boost accessibility at the station. The overpass, which is being constructed off-site and will lifted into place by a crane later this month.
“It is also about safeguarding the heritage of these older buildings and building new ones alongside them that are fit for access,” Premier Andrews said at a door-stop event on the existing platform.
“This is about more trains more often and we are on time; we are going along very nicely in regard to the program of works.”
Mr Andrews said there will be some significant disruption at that end of this month.
“A 9-day shut down on this line will occur, so all passengers will be coached (bused). We do apologise for the inconvenience that will cause,” he said.
“These upgrades can only be achieved safely if we take trains off the line.”
Premier Andrews and the Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan visited Ballan to inspect the progress on the station upgrade, alongside newly elected Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle.