Maintenance crews will complete work to give commuters a smoother journey on V/Line services.

The works are part of V/Line’s annual maintenance upgrades to ensure the ongoing upkeep of the line.

Buses will run between Southern Cross Station and Ballarat, Wendouree and Maryborough on Saturday night.

They will also replace some evening Ballarat line trains for the entire journey from Sunday 19 November until Wednesday 22 November.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and allow an extra 45 minutes’ travel time.

V/Line regional manager Peter Gibson said the improvements would ensure a safe and reliable service.

“Improvement works along the line will take place on Saturday, including track resurfacing between Caroline Springs and Bacchus Marsh, track welding in Ballarat and Ingliston and track point repairs in Parwan,” he said.   

“We will complete site inspections in Ballarat and rail testing along the line to ensure everything is in a safe working condition.”

More than 40 V/Line staff and contractors will work around the clock on Saturday and throughout the night from Sunday evening until Wednesday evening.

The improvements will also include a staircase installation in Ingliston and signal structure maintenance on the Gheringhap freight line in Meredith.

Mr Gibson said the works have been scheduled on the weekend and late in the evening during the off-peak times for train services.

“Between Sunday night and Wednesday night crews will rerail track curves and replace track points at Sunshine, which will help ensure a smoother journey for passengers as they travel closer to the city,” he said.

For information on the service changes, passengers can visit vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007.