The Gippsland Line Upgrade is being hailed as a boon for both travellers and the local community.
COMMUNITY updates are being held into the progress of the Gippsland Line Upgrade which is expected to deliver more frequent and reliable train services to the growing communities of Gippsland while also creating jobs in the region.
The Gippsland Line Upgrade includes:
- building a new rail bridge over the Avon River in Stratford, which is now complete
- second platforms and station amenity improvements at Bunyip, Longwarry, Morwell and Traralgon stations
- track duplication at Bunyip and Longwarry
- extension of the Morwell crossing loop
- level crossing upgrades
- signalling upgrades
- drainage structure upgrades along the line.
The project has already delivered benefits for passengers on the Gippsland Line, with upgrades to level crossings between Sale and Bairnsdale allowing VLocity trains to run to and from Bairnsdale for the first time.
The new Avon River bridge in Stratford, which is already complete, allows trains to travel faster in this section – they no longer need to slow down to 10 km/h.
The Gippsland Line Upgrade is expected to enable much needed extra services between the peaks between Traralgon and Melbourne, as track duplication, a crossing loop extension and second platforms at stations will provide more opportunities for trains to pass each other.
Improvements to accessibility and amenities at Bunyip, Longwarry, Morwell and Traralgon stations will also be made to give passengers better journeys. Train detection upgrades at level crossings along the line will improve safety for motorists and train passengers.
Upgrades to drainage structures will mean trains can continue to operate efficiently and improve infrastructure resilience along the Gippsland line. The project also includes a Victorian-first trial of solar-powered wireless level crossing detection technology at Farrells Lane in Stratford.
Industry briefings are being held this week at the Morwell Italian Club.
Contact Rail Projects Victoria for more information.