New works will end train overcrowding says VLine

Mr Cameron joined CEO of the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority Evan Tattersall and member for Buninyong Geoff Howard at Ballan railway station to launch the Andrews Government’s $518 million upgrade.

The upgrade will duplicate a 17-kilometre section of single track between Deer Park West and Melton in preparation for the future electrification of the line to Melton.

That electrification should be completed by 2026, said Mr Cameron.

Services will be provided at the 40 and 20 minute mark, giving two extra services at the morning and evening peak hour moving substantially more people, he said.

The project will also duplicate a three-kilometre section of track west of Warrenheip, build new crossing loops and create new train stabling at Melton and Rowsley to support more frequent services.

Geotechnical investigations were started at Ballan as part of the launch, testing the suitability of sites as the passing loops are mapped. The investigations involve digging boreholes and test pits to gather soil samples.

Mr Tattersall said the new $10 billion Melbourne Metro Tunnel will free capacity in the Melbourne rail system, allowing for the expansion of the network.

“One of the most pressing needs for the expanding of the Metro system in Melbourne is out to Melton,” said Mr Tattersall.

He said the growth projections in the state’s west were almost as strong as in the metropolitan area, and  rail networks would need major upgrades to cope with the demand.

“It’s all about improving the overall regional and metropolitan capacity.”

Mr Tattersall said tenders for work will be called in the next few weeks. Second platforms will be also built at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations.

Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said the improvements were imperative in the face of continued population growth and industry development.

“There are a lot of commuters moving to Ballarat and working in Melbourne.”