Mark Havryluk, Director of the Regional Rail Revival project, said underground trenching, boring and pipe installation works are continuing along the Shepparton line to facilitate upgrades to 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton.
“Our works on Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade are progressing well, and we’ll see construction increasing along the line in the latter part of this year,” he said.
“These upgrades will enable more reliable VLocity trains to travel to Shepparton for the first time, which is a key step towards the faster and more frequent services Stage 3 of the project will deliver for passengers on the line.”
Construction is progressing on the Victorian Government-funded Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade with more than 16 km of cabling installed to date between Donnybrook and Tallarook.
The cabling works are the first step in upgrading train detection technology at 59 crossings, while active train protection including boom gates, bells and flashing lights will be added at 32 of the crossings, significantly boosting safety for passengers, motorists and pedestrians.
The Victorian Government’s investment in the project through Stage 1 has already delivered an additional 10 weekly services on the line which have been operating since 2018.
Early works are under way at Murchison East to establish a construction site for the crossing loop extension, while work on the new stabling facility for rolling stock is ready to commence north of Shepparton.
Work to extend platforms at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie to suit the longer VLocity trains will commence later in the year.
Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade is targeted for completion in late 2022.
Rail Projects Victoria is close to finalising a delivery strategy for Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, which will enable nine weekday return services on the line and faster journeys.
The total investment in the Shepparton line is more than $750 million, with the project set to create 600 jobs over the three stages.
The project is part of the $4 billion Regional Rail Revival program, which is upgrading every regional passenger rail line in Victoria and creating 3000 jobs and supplier opportunities.
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