Overhead power will be switched off for two days across Melbourne’s rail network while it undergoes significant power upgrades and essential maintenance, the Department of Transport has said.
Power will be turned off from 9pm on Friday, August 30, until the early hours of Monday morning, September 2.
During the shutdown new overhead wiring will be installed, and a Victorian-first double-storey substation will be set up at Southern Cross station.
While the network is shutdown, crews will take advantage with platform resurfacing works and drainage improvements planned at South Yarra station, where new ground tactiles will be installed to help blind or low vision passengers get on and off trains more safely.
Department of Transport head of transport services Jeroen Weimar said the work would help power bigger and better trains, signals and communications on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines.
“While we understand that this may cause significant disruption to passengers, we belive this is the least disruptive time and best opportunity to complete these essential works,” Weimar said.
“These works are part of an important investment to deliver a public transport network that our passengers want and deserve.”