The state government has appointed a contractor to deliver the next stage of railway upgrades as part of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds duplication.
The works will allow five train services per hour during the peaks and three per hour between the peaks to be extended to Marshall and Waurn Ponds.
The Djilang Alliance – comprising McConnell Dowell, Downer, Arup and WSP – will duplicate around 8km of track, upgrade South Geelong and Marshall stations and remove level crossings at Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway.
The level crossing at Barwon Heads Road is also being removed as part of the Barwon Heads Road upgrade.
Early works are underway, including the relocation of a Barwon Water pipeline next to the existing track.
Major construction for the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds duplication will start later this year, with works on track for completion in late 2024.
Work is also progressing on a new train stabling facility in Waurn Ponds to house VLocity trains overnight – providing much-needed storage to support the additional services the major upgrades underway will bring to the line.
Major earthworks on the stabling facility are due to be completed soon, with more than 14,000 cubic metres of material excavated to prepare the foundations, rail formation and road pavements at the stabling yard, which will support extended services for passengers between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.
The recently completed Waurn Ponds Station upgrade has already provided passengers with access to 20 extended peak and off-peak services at the station each week, with two every morning and two in the evening on weekdays.
“We’re getting on with upgrades to Victoria’s busiest regional rail line to improve safety and provide more trains, more often to the growing community,” acting premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
“These upgrades will better connect locals and visitors to the Geelong region for years to come.”
