Works are currently underway to upgrade tracks and bridges along the Echuca to Deniliquin freight rail line.
The $1 million in improvement works, to be completed by Wednesday 11 March, are to include the replacement of the bridge deck in Moama and maintenance work on other bridges along the line.
These will be accompanied by ballast and track welding works and other repairs.
“These works are important for the ongoing upkeep of the line and to ensure the freight operators continue to have a safe, reliable pathway through the state’s north,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
“There are three scheduled trains on this line each week, carrying rice from Deniliquin through to Melbourne, as well as other trains that carry other commodities so it’s important we maintain the line.”
While V/Line has reportedly given early warnings to freight operators and planned the works to minimise the disruption to freight trains; however, some freight services will not be able to run during the completion of the upgrade works.
Elsewhere in the state, freight trains now running again on Mildura Line after a seven-month closure as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project. The next stage of works for that project will be on the Sea Lake and Manangatang lines.
“We know how important the freight industry is to Victoria – that’s why we’re making vital improvements to the freight network all over the state,” Saffioti said.