MELBOURNE-bound travellers face a week of pain on the rails with an eight day shut down of the Ballarat train line to make way for building works as part of the $500 million upgrade to the line.
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Starting tonight from 8pm, the train line will be closed until March 31.
Travellers heading to the football at the MCG this evening will be able to catch trains throughout the day and the early evening, but will need to catch a bus home from Southern Cross Station after the match with a mix of express and semi-express coaches to be made available.
Those planning to drive throughout the next eight days are also reminded of the ongoing works on Western Freeway at Pykes Creek on the Ballarat bound lanes.
The V/Line shut down will see work completed on the Ballan Station pedestrian overpass which is due to be lifted into place, while work will also continue on the new Cobblebank Station between Rockbank and Melton.
Tracks will also be laid at the 4km Millbrook passing loop, which will enable trains to pass each other in this section of the line.
V/Line will also complete maintenance works including inspections and minor repairs on the Melton viaduct, installation of train wheel lubricators, drainage works and track maintenance.
Coaches will replace trains for the entire journey between Ararat and Melbourne this weekend while trains will run between Ballarat and Ararat for the remainder of the disruption, connecting with coaches.
Trains will continue to run between Maryborough and Ballarat throughout the stoppage.
Public Transport Melissa Horne said passengers should give themselves an extra 45 minutes for their travel times.
"Ballarat line passengers are being reminded to plan ahead from this weekend, with trains to be replaced by coaches for a nine-day construction blitz on the Ballarat line upgrade," she said.
"I'd like to thank Ballarat line passengers for their continued patience while we carry out this critical work, urge everyone to check temporary timetables and plan ahead for their journeys."
Ms Horne said additional coaches would be made available for those travelling to the football across the first two rounds including the Richmond versus Collingwood match next Thursday night.
Passengers are encouraged to log on to vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007 if they have any questions. You can also pick up a temporary timetable from V/Line staff at stations.
Meanwhile, commuters travelling between Geelong and Melbourne will cut their journey time in half thanks to a $2 billion federal government commitment for a fast-rail link.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes such a journey won't occur for years, with construction expected to start within two years after the business case is finalised.
However, there is no mention of Ballarat detailed in the plans.
Last year, then-opposition leader Matthew Guy boldly promised a 45-minute train between Ballarat and Melbourne, if the Liberals had won the election.
Although some questioned its legitimacy, the plan will not come to fruition as Labor won the state election in a landslide.
Committee for Ballarat chairman Nick Beale is still a strong advocate for fast rail to Ballarat.
"When the more frequent rail services are reliably under an hour, Ballarat will no longer be considered a regional visit "now and then" because it is so far away; it will be an accessible and vibrant destination for many visitors to enjoy," Mr Beale wrote in an open letter earlier this month
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