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Contractor starts construction on the $251.6M Warrnambool Line upgrade

The Warrnambool Line courtesy of Victoria’s Big Build.

The Warrnambool line, linking south western Victoria to Melbourne via Geelong, is getting a major signalling upgrade along with the addition of a crossing loop.

Downer crews will begin major construction by installing underground cabling to support signalling upgrades along the line. Works on the 2.2 kilometre crossing loop between Boorcan Road and Oswell Road in Boorcan will begin soon.

Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the works will allow for more frequent and reliable services.

“Thanks to these upgrades, passengers on the Warrnambool Line will benefit from a much-needed fifth weekday return service, providing extra travel options for people in Victoria’s South West,” Ms Allan said.

The new crossing loop will make it easier for trains to pass each other, allowing passenger and freight services to recover more quickly from unexpected delays on the line, ensuring passengers and goods get to where they need to go.

“The Warrnambool Line is an important part of our regional network and passengers will reap the rewards when work is completed in late 2021.”

Allan said works will continue with strict protocols to protect workers and the community from the spread of coronavirus with modified working conditions in place so that work can be done safely.

Downer has implemented a COVIDSafe Plan which includes limiting site personnel and strict guidelines for workers around site access.

All 12 level crossings on the line have also recently been upgraded to include boom gates, bells, lights and improved train detection technology.

State Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the level crossing removals and line upgrades would make access to jobs and important services much easier.

“It’s exciting to see all 12 level crossings now in operation, completing the first step in the upgrade towards better services on the Warrnambool Line,” Tierney said.

“With work on signalling and the crossing loop now underway residents can soon expect more frequent services and better reliability.”

She said the project is also providing jobs for people in the region which is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Warrnambool Line Upgrade is jointly funded by the Federal Government, which is committing $226.2 million, and the Victorian Government, which is investing $25.4 million.

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