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Rail passengers benefitting from new bio-wash facility at Bendigo

V/Line regional train line courtesy of V/Line

A new $7.9 million bio-wash facility is being constructed at Bendigo Station precinct which will increase the reliability of train services in Victoria’s regional rail network.

Animal strikes are a common occurrence across regional rail lines with the Bendigo Line having the highest strike rate in the state.

Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo East said, “Animal strikes are unavoidable but can be incredibly frustrating for local passengers; having a bio-wash facility in Bendigo is a great investment that also supports local jobs.”

Across Victoria’s regional rail network, more than 100 strikes occur per month during active wildlife periods.

V/Line, Victoria’s regional train service, currently only has access to one bio-wash facility located in South Dynon. An additional facility will see trains returning to service sooner after an animal strike with this new facility built to cater for the growing number of trains on Victoria’s regional rail network.

Ben Carroll, State Minister for Public Transport said, “As we continue to bring more trains onto the regional network, it’s equally important that we’re investing in the infrastructure to support that growth.”

Construction of the facility will be by Coleman Rail with the facility featuring modern cleaning equipment and elevated railings that will allow staff to complete inspections more thoroughly.

The facility will be built in the train stabling area near Bendigo Station. The construction is expected to create 50 jobs.

Upon completion, the facility will be leased to Alstom, V/Lines train maintenance provider. Alstom will be responsible for cleaning the facility.


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