The massive project includes rebuilt stations at Wendouree, Ballan, and Bacchus Marsh, new passing loops in Dunnstown, and several other important infrastructure improvements to allow more frequent and reliable services to and from Ballarat.

In February, The Courier reported the project had been declared finished by the state government, but tracks were not connected at several points.

READ MORE: Ballarat rail line: Upgrade works not finished

Near Ballan, level crossings over major roads needed to be completed, and fences remained up at the new second platforms at Ballan and Bacchus Marsh stations.

Independent rail advocate Nick Beale said at the time the project needed to be finished fully as soon as possible - the state government responded a period of commissioning would be required, including driver training.

Now, in July, Mr Beale went for another road trip, and found little has been completed since February - the level crossings in Ballan remain incomplete, and the fences are still up at the new platforms.

"It really is quite a concern," he said in a statement.

"The Ballarat Line Upgrade was a fabulous investment for Ballarat and area - the promise was to have the project completed by the end of 2019.

"The only problem is that seven months after that date the project is still not completed.

"Just look at Wendouree station and you will see blocks on the track for the new platform. It has been unused for seven months.

"This is a promise that simply is unfulfilled and is a damning indictment on the Victorian Premier."

Regional Rail Revival director Mark Havryluk said in a statement the project is "already delivering benefits for passengers including 18km of track duplication between Deer Park West and Melton, boosting reliability for the entire line".

"While major construction has been completed on the project, there will be a period of disruption for commissioning - which will include driver training and safety testing, which is required to integrate the second platforms and new track into the existing rail line."

According to the state government, commissioning will occur this year, which include the level crossings in Ballan as well as track duplication between Bacchus Marsh station and Maddingley.

There was no date provided as to when this will be.

This work can only take place at the same time as the commissioning, though there was no reason given as to why this is the case.

When work is complete, it's understood a new timetable will be released, with more frequent peak services and off-peak services to and from Ballarat every 40 minutes.

While Mr Beale noted the coronavirus pandemic was affecting daily commuter numbers, he urged the premier to act now and finish the project.

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"(In February) I appealed for the Premier to give an order to just get it done," he said.

"Clearly the Premier has not done so. Seven months is ample time to rework a job schedule.

"Therefore once again I appeal to the Premier to complete the Ballarat Line Upgrade project to 100 per cent. Complete the project fully so all new stations and passing loops can be used."

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