Decades-old signalling infrastructure is to be replaced and power supplies upgraded between Richmond and Camberwell in Melbourne’s east, bringing sections of rail corridor in line with the standard of the wider network.
According to the government, some of the signalling infrastructure that exists along the corridor dates from the 1920s, and its replacement is expected to bring about reliability improvements to passenger services on the line.
State transport minister Jacinta Allan said a large work team would be delivering $42 million in works that will be carried out over six days along the corridor, ensuring the project is completed prior to further construction works soon to begin on Melbourne’s road and rail networks.
“We’ll have 200 workers delivering much needed upgrades around the clock to upgrade decades-old signalling infrastructure between Richmond and Camberwell,” Allan said.
Buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines from 8.30pm on Thursday, 30 November until the last service on Tuesday, 5 December, and will include express, limited express and all-stops services.
Public Transport Victoria CEO Jeroen Weimar said that those travelling into the CBD from these lines ought to expect extra travel times of between 40 to 70 minutes.
“We understand this will be frustrating for passengers, but these works are a crucial part of ensuring we can deliver a reliable service in the long-term for passengers on one of the busiest corridors on our network,” Weimar said.
“I strongly encourage passengers to plan ahead and rethink their travel where possible to avoid disruption, more information is available at ptv.vic.gov.au.”