VICCONNECT has been appointed as the contractor for V/Line upgrades that promise “more frequent and reliable” train services for passengers between Pakenham and Traralgon.
A consortium comprising UGL Limited, Decmil and Arup and VicConnect will deliver second platforms at four stations, track duplication, signalling and level crossing upgrades and an extension of the Morwell crossing loop.
The consortium is carrying out early works on the project, including site investigations, procurement, engineering and design, and major construction on the project will be ramping up in coming months.
The upgrades are part of the 276 kilometre Melbourne to Bairnsdale Gippsland line upgrade to improve train services to the growing communities of Gippsland.
The works are expected to create 500 jobs in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Gippsland MHR Darren Chester, State Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan and Eastern Victoria MLC Harriet Shing made the joint announcement last Tuesday.
Now work on the new Avon Bridge in Stratford is complete, early works can begin on the next stage of the Gippsland line upgrade.
The improvements include duplicating track, extending the Morwell crossing loop, upgrading level crossings and signalling, adding second platforms at three stations along the line and reactivating the second platform at Traralgon.
The project also includes a Victorian-first trial of solar-powered wireless level crossing detection technology at Farrells Lane in Stratford.
Public feedback from V/Line surveys helped shape the works, and plans are underway to include canopy shelters, seating, lighting, bicycle storage and rubbish bins on the new platforms at Bunyip, Longwarry, Morwell and Traralgon.
Also in response to feedback, “appropriate” oad detours will be put in place during works to reduce congestion around station precincts during construction.
V/Line has said it listened to concerns about general construction impacts such as air pollution, dust, vibration and noise, and had made changes to minimise disruptions to train services “as much as possible” during construction.
A spokesperson said project teams would “work closely with V/Line to ensure passengers are made aware well in advance of any service changes, and the Traffic Management Plan would ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists was managed “appropriately” during construction.
Regional Rail Revival, a joint initiative between the federal and state governments to upgrade regional railway lines in Victoria, says the project has already delivered benefits for Gippsland Line passengers, with upgrades to level crossings between Sale and Bairnsdale allowing VLocity trains to run to and from Bairnsdale for the first time.
The new Avon River bridge in Stratford allows trains to travel faster in this section – they no longer need to slow down to 10kmh.
The upgrade is expected to allow extra services between Traralgon and Melbourne, as track duplication, a crossing loop extension and second platforms at stations will provide more opportunities for trains to pass each other.
Train detection upgrades at level crossings along the line will improve safety for motorists and train passengers.
Ms Allan said prioritising local workers and companies was a big focus for the newly-appointed contractor.
“With more than 25 local contractors and suppliers taking part in construction of the new Avon River Bridge, we’re putting local workers at the heart of this project,” Ms Allan said.
“This larger package of works will deliver even more benefits for the local economy – and will mean the Gippsland Line Upgrade has created more than 500 vital local jobs for eastern Victoria.”
Ms Allan again confirmed Gippsland line train passengers would not be forced to change trains at Pakenham to get to the city.
Rail Projects Victoria will establish a local project office in the Latrobe Valley, and create opportunities for local social and Aboriginal contractors and suppliers, to boost the local economy.
