The Victorian Government is undertaking one final blitz of works to complete the Shepparton line upgrade with 45 days of construction planned later this year.
From Wednesday, October 31 until the last service on Sunday, December 14, crews will undertake work to install, commission and test the new train control system.
Crews will carry out signalling works along the line, including cabling and installing trackside equipment between Seymour and Shepparton.
The blitz will also include safety testing of new infrastructure along the 87km stretch of line, driver training and the complex commissioning needed to safely bring the system into operation.
The government said that once complete, the Shepparton line would have capacity for nine V/Line return services between Shepparton and Melbourne each day.
However, it has still not committed to when the extra train services will start.
“These works will complete the Shepparton line upgrade and planning is under way for the introduction of nine return services per weekday and five return weekend services per day,” a government spokesperson said.
“We will keep the community updated on when further services will be added on the Shepparton corridor.”
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has slammed the government for the uncertainty surrounding when locals can expect more train services.
“The government’s announcement … that it will finally complete stage three of the Shepparton line upgrade more than two years after its original scheduled completion date still gives no indication when or if Shepparton will get the promised nine weekday return services to Melbourne,” Ms Lovell said.
“The Allan Labor government says the upgrades will provide capacity for nine return services on the Shepparton line, but capacity won’t get you home — the government must come clean on when the promised nine weekday return services to Melbourne will actually be running.”
The government’s investment in the first two stages of the upgrade has already delivered improvements, including a stabling upgrade at Shepparton, which enabled 10 additional services each week, the government said.
Stage two works upgraded Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations, improved train detection at 59 level crossings, and delivered new stabling to allow modern VLocity trains to operate on the line for the first time.
Stage three of the project has upgraded close to 40km of track, extended the Murchison East passing loop, allowing 1200m freight trains and two six-car VLocity trains to pass each other.
The $414.2 million project is jointly funded with a $331.4 million Federal Government contribution and $82.8 million from the Victorian Government.
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said the government thanked passengers for their patience while the newest work was done.
“This upgrade is a game-changer for Shepparton and the wider region — paving the way for more trains, more often, connecting locals to jobs, education and leisure opportunities,” she said.
