Ballarat rail passengers will be back on buses for a four-day stretch at the end of January as construction on the line continues.
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From Thursday January 31 to Sunday February 3, coaches will replace V/Line trains between Wendouree/Ballarat to Southern Cross Station.
It comes as heat restrictions stimie speedy train trips along the Ballarat Line, with temperatures over 36 degrees expected on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
As part of the Regional Rail Revival project, upgrades are under way at Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Rockback, and new train stabling at Maddingley close to completion.
During the four day line shutdown, around 200 crew members will work in shifts around the clock to undertake works. The project is on track for completion in late 2019.
Acting Transport and Infrastructure minister Melissa Horne said in a statement the Ballarat Line Upgrade is “critical to support the booming population in Melbourne’s outer west and Ballarat”.
“We’re getting on with the Ballarat Line Upgrade and we thank passengers for their continued patience as we deliver these important upgrades,” she stated.
Maryborough and Ararat line trains will continue to run to and from Ballarat throughout this period, connecting at Ballarat with coaches to and from Southern Cross Station.
All Ballarat line train services will return to normal from Monday February 4.
