Gippsland Line Upgrade: Project Profile

The Gippsland Line Upgrade is a pivotal rail infrastructure project in Victoria, Australia, engineered to increase service capacity, reliability, and safety through strategic track duplication and modernised systems. This profile outlines the technical specifications and strategic outcomes of the upgrade, which now facilitates higher-frequency V/Line passenger services to the growing Gippsland region. The project serves as a key example of targeted investment to resolve historical network bottlenecks and enhance regional connectivity.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project involved significant civil and structural engineering works. A critical bottleneck was removed through the duplication of 18km of track between Bunyip and Longwarry, enabling bidirectional train movements and greatly increasing line capacity. Station infrastructure was substantially enhanced at Bunyip, Longwarry, Morwell, and Traralgon, including the addition of second platforms, pedestrian overpasses with lifts, and improved accessibility features. A major structural achievement was the replacement of the century-old Avon River Bridge, with the new structure permitting a train speed increase from 10 km/h to 90 km/h, thus reducing journey times and removing a significant operational constraint.

From a systems engineering perspective, the upgrade incorporated crucial safety and signaling modernizations. The project delivered extensive level crossing upgrades along the corridor, enhancing safety for both rail and road users. A notable innovation was the trial of a solar-powered wireless level crossing detection system at Farrells Lane in Stratford—a first for Victoria’s rail network. This pilot project demonstrates a commitment to deploying resilient and sustainable safety technologies. Furthermore, improved signaling systems were commissioned to support more frequent 40-minute peak-time services between Pakenham and Traralgon.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Network Capacity: The duplication of track between Bunyip and Longwarry directly addresses a historical bottleneck, enabling V/Line to operate services every 40 minutes during peak periods and improving overall timetable reliability.
• Advanced Safety & Resilience: The replacement of the Avon River Bridge and extensive level crossing upgrades, including a state-first trial of solar-powered detection technology, have significantly hardened the infrastructure against operational risks and improved safety standards.
• Regional Economic Catalyst: By creating over 500 local jobs during its construction phase and improving transport connectivity to Melbourne, the project has provided a direct economic stimulus and a long-term foundation for growth in the Gippsland region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main benefits of the Gippsland Line Upgrade?

The primary benefits of the Gippsland Line Upgrade include more frequent and reliable train services for passengers, with trains now running every 40 minutes during peak times. The project also delivered significant safety improvements through upgraded level crossings and a new Avon River bridge, along with enhanced accessibility and modern amenities at four upgraded stations.

Who built the Gippsland Line Upgrade?

The Gippsland Line Upgrade was managed by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) on behalf of the Victorian Government. The main design and construction works were delivered by the VicConnect consortium, which is comprised of UGL, Decmil, and the global engineering firm Arup as the design partner.