By Luke Voogt
Construction has begun on 90 new parking spaces as part of a $160 million upgrade of Waurn Ponds Railway Station.
The work, which began on Monday, also includes the sealing of 120 existing gravel spaces, and improved lighting and CCTV, according to state government.
Workers will build two new access points to the car park off Sugargum Drive, between Oakwood Crescent and Mumm Street, and via Rossack Drive.
The site will be closed to the public and reopened later this year when state government expects the works to be complete.
The timing of the project took advantage of current COVID-19 restrictions, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman explained.
“We’re thrilled to see construction starting on the car park upgrade at Waurn Ponds, which will greatly increase capacity at the station,” he said.
“We are completing the largest section of car park works first to help provide the benefits to the community sooner, and to minimise disruption while travel is reduced during coronavirus restrictions.
“Much of this work is being done by businesses based in the region, which gives a huge boost to the local economy.”
The parking works are part the overall station upgrade, which includes a second platform and an additional railway track.
Contractors will build a pedestrian overpass, with lifts, and stairs and ramps connecting the two platforms.
The upgrade will also feature an expanded station forecourt with a new drop-off zone and secure bike storage.
Construction on the second platform commenced in June with more than 320 people working about 90,000 hours combined at the site since, according to state government.
A number of local businesses have taken part in the upgrade.
Colac family-owned business R Slater & Sons relocated water mains, while North Geelong’s QEST Environments provided utility-locating services for the project.
The $160 million upgrade is set for completion in late 2021 in preparation for a long-awaited $1 billion duplication of the Geelong line between the station and South Geelong.
Public Transport Users Association Geelong convener Paul Westcott has campaigned for several years for the “long overdue” duplication.
Mr Westcott took aim at the latest round of political squabbling over the duplication between state and federal governments in June, which he said was continuing to delay the project.
