The Ballarat train line is heading toward another weekend shut-down at the end of April, as track upgrade works continue.
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Buses will replace trains from the first service on Saturday April 28 to May 1.
When the upgrade is completed in late 2019, trains will have the capacity to run every 40 minutes off-peak.
It follows the planned closure of the Ballarat line on Labour Day weekend, which descended into chaos after the last-minute withdrawal of V/Line’s bus supplier.
Travelers heading to and from the Ballarat Begonia Festival were forced onto alternative buses, which had reduced luggage capacity and in some cases no toilets.
Regional Rail Revival director Mark Havryluk said that works had ramped up on the Ballarat Line Upgrade during the Labour Day weekend closure.
A project of this size requires careful consideration and planning, and there will be unavoidable changes to services while the Ballarat Line Upgrade is carried out until late-2019.
- Mark Havryluk, Regional Rail Revival
“Crews worked around the clock to install safety fencing, relocate signalling and remove vegetation in preparation for track duplication,” he said.
"During rail line closures, we undertake critical works along the line that cannot be safely completed while trains are running."
Temporary safety fencing has also been installed along the tracks, allowing more construction to be completed while trains are still running. Mr Havryluk said that this will “significantly reduce the number of times the train line will require closing” throughout construction.
When completed, second platforms will have been added at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Wendouree stations, with the platform at Rockbank Station to also be extended.
More than 600 residents were surveyed by Regional Rail Revival team in January and February, with priorities for commuters including safety and security, access between connections and improved station facilities.
Three new passing loops will be installed along the line to reduce congestion at peak times, while 18 kilometres of track will be duplicated between Deer Park West and Melton, paving the way for a Metro line to Melton.
An additional $39 million investment in the Ballarat Line Upgrade was unveiled on Friday. The funding will include improved stabling near Ararat Station for extra services, but also ease train bottlenecks around Ballarat.
