The state and federal government have announced a contractor has been appointed for the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds rail line duplication project.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced Djiland Alliance had been appointed to completed the duplication.
The project includes duplicating approximately eight kilometres of track and signalling upgrades between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.
The upgrade will allow five trains to run every hour at peak times and three every hour between the peaks between Marshall and Waurn Ponds stations.
“The Australian government is committed to delivering this important project, which is another step closer to boosting the number of train services on the Geelong Line,” Mr Joyce said.
“The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication will provide a huge benefit to passengers, while creating jobs and providing a much-needed boost to the economy.
“It’s great to see this project progressing, with more frequent and reliable services on the way for passengers.”
The duplication is part of more than $1 billion worth of rail projects planned between Geelong and Waurn Ponds.
State Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said level crossings at Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway would also be removed, with new elevated rail bridges built.
“Removing these level crossings and building elevated rail bridges will provide a huge benefit to the community – slashing travel times and easing congestion for thousands of motorists as they travel throughout the area,” she said.
The stations at South Geelong and Marshall will also be upgraded with new station buildings and landscaped forecourts, second platforms, accessible pedestrian overpasses and more than 200 new parking spaces at Marshall.
Concept designs were released last year and more than 500 locals provided feedback, with further community consultation to take place in coming weeks to inform the final design of the project.
Early works on the project start in the coming months with the relocation of the Barwon Water pipeline, which is needed to allow key sections of track to be duplicated between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.
Major construction will then start later in 2022, with the project targeted for completion in late 2024.
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said the project was part of the staged program of improvements on the Geelong Line, including the Waurn Ponds Station upgrade and Waurn Ponds stabling.
“The Geelong line is Victoria’s fastest-growing and busiest regional rail corridor – that’s why we’re getting on with this project to make it easier for passengers to travel,” he said.
“Passengers are already benefitting from the transformed Waurn Ponds Station forecourt and car park, with further improvements to be delivered this year, including the new second platform, new track and an accessible pedestrian overpass.”
The two governments have also each committed $2 billion to stage one of the Geelong Fast Rail project, which aims to cut travel times between Geelong and Melbourne by up to 15 minutes.
