Sleeper replacement work has begun along the Shepparton line as part of the Victorian government’s more than $27 million sleeper replacement project.
A crew of 50 V/Line staff is working through the night in 10-night blocks to replace the first of 37,000 sleepers on the 83-kilometre section of track between Seymour and Shepparton.
“Crews are working through the night to get these essential sleeper replacements done while minimising disruptions to passengers,” minister for public transport Melissa Horne announced on Monday.
The government says the work is progressing quickly with workers now on the section of track between Murchison East and Toolamba.
Because of the major work, Shepparton trains will travel over the new sleepers at a slower speed to allow them to bed down.
“As a result, all services have an additional two minutes’ journey time during the works,” according to a government statement.
The major overhaul will reduce the need for future maintenance work, as well as improving the ride quality of the track, and ensuring safer and more reliable service for north east communities.
“We’ve invested more than $27 million on sleeper replacements along the rail corridor in the last 12-months as part of our plan to deliver more reliable services for locals,” member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.