- Minister for Ports and Freight
The Andrews Labor Government is carrying out final improvements to important rail freight infrastructure to ensure this year's grain harvest can make its way to the Port of Geelong quickly and efficiently.
From today, works will be taking place on signalling systems in the North Geelong and North Shore area, the final stage of upgrades taking place through the Geelong C Box Project.
Currently, rail signals into and out of the Port of Geelong have to be changed by hand, an aging and cumbersome process that slows down grain exports. The manual process also limits the type of trains that can access the terminal.
The upgrade will mean more grain trains than ever before are able to travel from the state's grain growing regions to the Port of Geelong - before being shipped overseas.
The automated C-Box will mean train movements will be able to be controlled around the clock from V/Line's train control centre and allow for both standard and broad gauge trains to access the grain site.
While the works are being carried out, a number of rail engineering and signalling experts will be working within the rail corridor and at rail crossings.
Traffic management will also be in place at rail crossings in the area during the works to ensure the safety of all road users.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of next week.
As noted by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
"With Victorian grain growers set to experience a bumper harvest this year, it is important we can move grain efficiently from the farm gate to port via Geelong's rail freight network."
"These vital upgrades will make the task of getting grain to port quicker and easier - with works to be completed in time for the upcoming grain season."
"The Geelong C Box Project will remove the need for manual signalling, doubling the capacity of the grain loop and eliminating wait times."
