The coach services will operate according to normal weekend timetables and feature a mix of express and non-express runs.

V/Line said the coaches would arrive and depart from outside country and suburban stations and the temporary Spencer St station coach terminal in Melbourne.

Customers are advised to allow up to 30 minutes extra time to complete their journey.

The weekend shutdown paves the way for rail upgrade works at Robinsons Rd, Deer Park and Hopkins Rd, Rockbank.

The level crossing works involve the installation of new rail and concrete sleepers and asphalting and reconditioning of the road service.

Civil works including embankment excavation within the rail corridor at Bacchus Marsh and the removal of electrical overheads at Melton will also be undertaken.

They follow level crossing works at Old Melbourne Rd, Dunnstown, and Old Geelong Rd, Ballan from September 12-14.

Thiess Alstom Joint Venture, contracted to undertake the $130 million Ballarat line upgrade, said while the major shutdown was planned for 2004, "the exact timing is yet to be determined". The shutdown would last up to eight weeks.

"The longer closure will avoid the need for line closures over a much longer period of time," a spokesman said. "V/Line will inform passengers of weekend and other changes to services well in advance."

The rail upgrade is expected to cut travel time between Ballarat and Melbourne to 64 minutes.