High-tech rail upgrades, new train stations underway for Bendigo

Greater Bendigo commuters can expect additional services to both Eaglehawk and Epsom as a new electronic train order (ETO) system is being deployed along the line from Bendigo to Swan Hill and Echuca. The new service will also be tripling the number of weekday services to and from Echuca.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack and Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan today announced V/Line, in conjunction with rail specialists Wabtec, has been awarded the contract to deliver the new (ETO) system – a first for the Victorian regional rail network.

“The new system will deliver much-needed additional services for passengers in and around Greater Bendigo and has the potential to transform the way some of the state’s long-distance lines operate,” Deputy Prime Minister said.

The new system will use on-board telecommunications equipment to identify a train’s position on the network and communicate it electronically to the train controller. This information is currently shared manually between train drivers and controllers and the new electronic system will allow more trains to safely operate on these sections of track.

Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the ETO system will also provide improved service outcomes for freight by enabling one return service each week between Melbourne and Deniliquin, and Melbourne and Piangil.

New stations underway

The Victoria Government today also announced awarding a contract to Symal Infrastructure to deliver three new train stations for Bendigo commuters.

The stations, Huntly Station, Raywood Station and Goornong Station are part of Bendigo Metro 3 project, being constructed with $49.6 million investment from the Victoria Government.

Of these, Goornong Station will be delivered first and is on track to be completed this year. The delivery of Huntly Station will follow in mid-2022, fast-tracked by nearly a year, with a new Raywood Station to be completed by late 2022.

Each new station will include a single-sided platform and car parking as well as lighting, seating and shelter.

The contractor has already commenced site investigations in Goornong and will ramp up works in the coming months, with construction to take place alongside V/Line-delivered track upgrades which will increase the speed of trains between Epsom and Goornong.

Both the ETO system and the new stations are being delivered by Rail Projects Victoria as part of the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade, which is part of the Australian and Victorian Governments’ combined investment of more than $4 billion in Victoria’s regional rail network.