A winter construction blitz will occur across the Geelong and Surf Coast regions to ease traffic congestion and deliver safer journeys.
The federal government has provided close to $785 million, with the state government contributing the remaining $149.5 million to the $933.6 million regional rail revival project.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the blitz would greatly benefit passengers.
“We are on the home stretch for our massive investment in critical upgrades to rail infrastructure in Geelong and Warrnambool,” she said.
“This significant investment will increase road safety and reduce the risks of serious crashes and fatalities, helping to keep southwest Victorians safe.”
Coaches will replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool from June 15 until August 25 to allow upgrades to be finished at the Marshall and South Geelong stations.
State Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said “getting on with future proofing the Geelong Line” was important.
“We are making critical investments across Victoria’s southwest to keep people moving faster and safer,” he said.
“Removing the first two regional level crossings, duplicating track and upgrading stations to enable more frequent and reliable services for Geelong communities.”
The Fyans Street roundabout will be closed from June 12 until August 26 to realign the intersection under a 2000-tonne rail bridge.
The Surf Coast Highway will also be closed at the level crossing in late July to remove the crossing and complete road resurfacing.
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said delivery of the infrastructure would improve the region’s safety and match the continued population growth.
“More and more people are choosing to call southwest Victoria home, so we’re investing in the infrastructure this area needs to keep up with the growing demand,” she said.
Construction on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication to rebuild two stations and remove two congested level crossings is set to be finished later this year.
Additional level crossing closures will take place between South Geelong and Grovedale on Yarra Street, Swanston Street, Barwon Terrace, Reserve Road and Marshalltown Road for the track duplication later in winter.
Visit regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/geelong for more information about the project.
