The Government of Victoria in Australia has planned to upgrade tracks, signalling systems and level crossings along the Warrnambool line as part of the A$114m ($90.62m) upgrade programme.
The upgrade will enable VLocity trains to be deployed on the line, which would reduce the journey time from Warrnambool to Melbourne by up to 20 minutes.
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Works outlined for the project include the construction of a new crossing loop, enhancement of signalling systems and the modernisation of level crossings along the Warrnambool line.
The development will also allow a fifth daily return service to Warrnambool, which forms part of the Regional Network Development Plan that was initially published last year.
Freight services along the line are expected to improve upon the project's completion, which will support the economy by enabling the rapid delivery of containerised products from the terminal at Dennington to the Port of Melbourne.
Work has already begun on the modernisation of 20 level crossings on the Warrnambool line, which are to be fitted with lights, bells and boom gates. The upgrade has been financed by a A$10m ($7.95m) funding package that was announced in February.
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By GlobalDataThe upgrade works are scheduled to be finalised by the end of the year, and speed restrictions are expected to be lifted upon completion.
Additional level crossings, along with new stabling and signalling, will also be upgraded on the line to ensure the VLocity trains are able to operate safely.
Warrnambool Station is also being augmented to create 100 new car spaces and a new sheltered bus interchange to provide greater convenience to commuters.
The upgrade forms a part of the wider A$1.57bn ($1.25bn) project that will see the modernisation of every major passenger line in the Victoria region.
