General News
20 June, 2024
Delays expected as rail upgrades continue
PASSENGERS and motorists in the state’s south west have been urged to plan ahead due to expected delays as coaches replace trains on the Warrnambool Line ahead over the next 10 weeks.
Coaches replaced trains the Warrnambool Line between Geelong and Warrnambool over the weekend on Saturday, which is expected to continue through to Sunday, August 25.
On Sundays, the 7.40am service from Warrnambool and the 7pm service from Southern Cross will also be replaced by coaches for the entire journey.
Coaches will replace trains from Saturday, July 13 to Tuesday, July 16 and Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 11 between Southern Cross and Warrnambool.
The Department of Transport and Planning cautioned those using public services to allow for up to an extra hour.
“We advise passengers on the Geelong Line to allow up to 40 minutes extra, and those on the Warrnambool Line to allow up to 60 minutes extra, for the journey by coach,” a spokesperson said.
“Temporary coach timetables are available for download from the V/Line website.”
During winter, crews will finish upgrades to Marshall and South Geelong stations, including new station buildings, forecourts, and car parks, and complete more than eight kilometres of track duplication.
As part of Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade, train detection technology will be upgraded at the last 17 of 53 public level crossings.
Once completed, the works will enable the introduction of modern and accessible VLocity trains to operate on the line from later this year.
While trains aren’t running, V/Line crews will also replace more than 70,000 sleepers between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool, replace ballast and carry out resurfacing works and track upgrades.
Passengers are encouraged to visit ptv.vic.gov.au/disruptions for more information and to plan their journey.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.
The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.