Shepparton passengers are one step closer to more train services from early next year, with construction on the stabling upgrade at Shepparton Station now underway thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan visited Shepparton Station to inspect the works site, which was set up last week in preparation for the start of construction yesterday.
Works at the Shepparton Station stabling are part of stage one of the $356 million Shepparton Line Upgrade and include upgrading the signalling and tracks, building safer access for train crew and improving lighting to assist train inspections.
These upgrades will allow an additional passenger train to be stabled overnight at the station, making it possible for an extra daily return train service between Shepparton and Melbourne to be introduced in early 2019.
Construction will continue until the end of the year and is being delivered by V/Line on behalf of Rail Projects Victoria (RPV).
Stage one of the Shepparton Corridor Upgrade also funded the addition of 29 coach services per week between Shepparton and Seymour to fill gaps in the timetable and give passengers more choice on when to travel.
The Andrews Labor Government announced an additional $313 million for stage two of the Shepparton Corridor Upgrade in the 2018/19 Victorian Budget, for faster and more frequent services for passengers.
Stage two of the project will transform the line between Seymour and Shepparton, with upgrades to level crossings, signalling and track, as well as platform extensions and a new stabling facility enabling faster VLocity trains to run on the line for the first time.
The Labor Government is also progressing the business case to finalise the scope and costs for stage three of the project, which will deliver nine return services a day between Shepparton and Melbourne. The delivery timelines for both stages two and three will be confirmed over the coming months.
Early works have also started on a new waiting room at Shepparton Station, under the Government’s Road and Rail Minor Works Program. The waiting room and modernised customer service area will provide a safe and weather proof place to wait for the growing number of people using the train and coach services at the station.
The Shepparton Corridor Upgrade is funded by the Labor Government as part of the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival, which will upgrade every regional passenger train line in Victoria, creating more than 1,000 jobs.
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’ve wasted no time getting to work on this upgrade, which will boost service options for passengers travelling between Melbourne and Shepparton from early 2019.”
“Shepparton passengers have more to look forward to, with these works just the first step in a $356 million investment to bring faster and more frequent services to the line.”
“The Shepparton Line Upgrade is what locals have been waiting for, and we’re delivering the train services passengers in this region expect and deserve.”
