Coaches will replace trains on sections of the Geelong and Warrnambool lines for four weeks from Saturday, 30 April as work ramps up at Waurn Ponds.
Coaches will replace Geelong services:
- Between Waurn Ponds and Geelong from Saturday, 30 April to Wednesday, 11 May (five daily services will be replaced by coaches for the entire journey).
- Between Wyndham Vale and Waurn Ponds from Thursday, 12 to Friday, 13 May and again from Monday, 16 to Saturday, 21 May
- The entire journey between Southern Cross and Waurn Ponds on Saturday, 14 May and Sunday, 15 May.
- Between Waurn Ponds and Geelong from Sunday, 22 to Saturday, 28 May (five daily services will be replaced by coaches for the entire journey).
Coaches will replace Warrnambool services:
- Between Warrnambool and Geelong from Saturday, 30 April to Wednesday, 11 May and again from Sunday, 22 to Saturday, 28 May.
- Between Warrnambool and Southern Cross from Thursday, 12 to Saturday, 21 May.
During this time, the final two 50-metre sections of rail at Waurn Ponds Station will be installed, with live signalling boxes to be relocated from the rail corridor to complete track duplication at the station, allowing trains to pass each other in this section.
Construction will continue on a pedestrian and cyclist path on the south side of the station, with features including CCTV and lighting, along with final fit outs on the second platform, ramps and stairs.
Site investigations for the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication will take place along the rail line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds to support early works and design of the project.
New signalling infrastructure will continue to be installed between Winchelsea and Warrnambool as part of Stage 1 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade.
Work will also continue on the Waurn Ponds train stabling and maintenance facility with construction of the service buildings underway.
While coaches are replacing trains, V/Line will take the opportunity to complete more than $5 million on maintenance and improvement works along the line.
As part of the annual works plan, more than 150 V/Line staff and contractors will be on site to complete track, signal and station works.
Crews will complete level crossing renewal works at McKillop Street and Kilgour Street in Geelong, Reserve Road at Marshall, Peak School Road at Lara and Wellington Road at Warrnambool.
The program of works also includes a deck replacement to the rail bridge at St Georges Road level crossing at Norlane, repair and restoration works at Corio and Birregurra stations and mud hole removals along sections of the line.
Crews will complete rail milling from Wyndham Vale to Corio to remove rust and debris from the rail line, reduce wear and tear on trains and keep train detection systems working.
These works are vital for the ongoing upkeep of the regional network to help ensure V/Line can continue to offer a safe, comfortable and reliable service to south-west passengers.
During these works, a temporary timetable will be in place. Passengers are asked to allow an extra 60 minutes travel time. To plan your journey head to vline.com.au.
