Passengers will soon benefit from more frequent and reliable train services with the completion of major works on the Waurn Ponds Station upgrade in Victoria.
Commissioning and critical safety testing is now to take place in coming weeks to enable additional services to run on the Warrnambool Rail Line.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said a new forecourt and drop off zone will also open to the public after safety inspections take place next year.
“We’re getting on with these works to make Waurn Ponds station safer, more user-friendly and easier to get to,” she said.
“The upgrade is part of our massive investment in better train services to Geelong and Victoria’s south west.”
The work also includes the construction of a second platform on the south side of the station – with an accessible pedestrian overpass connecting it to the existing platform. Final fit outs on the second platform will be completed in early 2022, including line marking and seating installation.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the upgrade, the first part of the Waurn Ponds to South Geelong duplication project, will deliver more frequently and reliable train services to Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek growth corridor.
“It includes a transformed main entrance to give better access to the station, more than 200 new car parking spaces, better security and improved passenger information for commuters and visitors alike,” she said.
“With a large majority of the funding being delivered by the Australian Government, I am very proud of the many ways in which we are investing in local infrastructure projects including this vital rail upgrade.”
Commissioning will include relocating a live signalling box from the rail corridor to allow the final 50-metre section of rail to be installed, and completing track duplication at the station. More than 2000 sleepers and 2.9 kilometres of new rail has already been laid.
Major earthworks have also continued at the site for the new train stabling and maintenance facility near Waurn Ponds, which will allow track installation works to take place this year.
Crews have since installed drainage and commenced work on the new track to link the main line to the stabling facility.
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