Gippsland Line Upgrade: Victoria Rail Project Completion

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Introduction

The Gippsland regional line upgrade project, announced by the Government of Victoria, Australia, is now complete, with passengers set to benefit from over 80 extra weekly services between Melbourne and Traralgon, a city located 160 km south-east of Melbourne.

Main Content

Project Completion and Service Enhancements

Trains resumed service in the second week of August following a 55-day winter construction period, which focused on completing and commissioning a new train control system between Drouin and Traralgon. Starting 14 September, the line will see the addition of 55 new weekday services and 32 new weekend services, including 14 on Saturdays and 18 on Sundays.

Construction Details and Scope

During the final construction phase, crews invested over 80,000 hours installing new rail signaling equipment and safety-testing the new system, followed by V/Line’s driver training. The new train control system will enhance the reliability and frequency of services on the Traralgon and Bairnsdale line and facilitate the operation of new platforms at Morwell and Traralgon stations.

Station Upgrades

Morwell station’s upgrades include a new second platform, an enclosed waiting room, and improved accessibility features. The second platform at Traralgon station has been rebuilt to facilitate more frequent and reliable services. Upgrades to Bunyip and Longwarry stations, which enabled second platforms, were completed last year.

Project Funding and Objectives

The Gippsland Line upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments. The project’s objective is to provide more frequent and reliable train services to the growing communities within the Gippsland region, extending from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border. The modernisation of the line included improvements to four stations – Morwell, Bunyip, Longwarry, and Traralgon – and the construction of a bridge over the Avon River at Stratford.

Conclusion

The Gippsland regional line upgrade project has been completed, leading to over 80 additional weekly services between Melbourne and Traralgon. The project included upgrades to stations and a new train control system, jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.

Company Summary

V/Line: A public transport operator in Victoria, Australia.

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