Passengers will soon benefit from more frequent and reliable train services, thanks to the completion of major works at Waurn Ponds Station.
The works now pave the way for commissioning and critical safety testing to take place next year, to enable additional services to run on the Warrnambool line.
Delivered by the Australian and Victorian governments, as part of a $511 million commitment across the Warrnambool line, the station upgrade includes a transformed main entrance to give locals better access to the station, as well as more than 200 new car parking spaces, better security, and improved passenger information.
The upgrade also includes the construction of a second platform on the south side of the station, with an accessible pedestrian overpass connecting it to the existing platform.
Final fit outs on the second platform will be completed in early 2022, including line marking and seating installation.
Commissioning will include relocating a live signalling box from the rail corridor to allow the final 50-metre section of rail to be installed, and completing track duplication at the station. More than 2,000 sleepers and 2.9 kilometres of new rail has already been laid.
Major earthworks have also continued at the site for the new train stabling and maintenance facility near Waurn Ponds, which will allow track installation works to take place next year.
Crews have since installed drainage and commenced work on the new track to link the main line to the stabling facility, which will support the extension of services on the line to Waurn Ponds.
The Australian and Victorian governments have invested more than $4 billion in Victoria's regional rail network, which is upgrading every passenger rail line in Victoria and creating more than 3,000 jobs and local supplier opportunities.
