Bacchus Marsh Station will be redesigned as part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade to feature more car parking and improved access for passengers.
Deputy PM Michael McCormack joined Victoria’s public transport minister Jacinta Allan on Monday to detail plans for the revamp.
Passengers will benefit from an additional platform, a new accessible overpass, improved bus bay layout and bicycle hoops.
The new platform and 3 kilometres of new track will allow two trains to stop at the station at the same time, boosting service reliability. Improved security, lighting and landscaping will also be a feature of the upgrade.
Plans also include a new car park featuring 100 additional spaces to cater for growing patronage.
McCormack said construction on the station upgrade would begin later this year and is due to complete in late 2019.
“These upgrades will provide Bacchus Marsh with a train station which can support the needs of the town’s growing population well into the future,” he said.
“The project is improving accessibility, with ramps and lifts included to enable all passengers to move to and from platforms.
“Drop off zones and improved bus bay layouts will also make it easier for passengers getting to and from the station.”
Allan said feedback from the local community emphasised improving accessibility and parking, as well as safety and security.
“We’ve listened to this feedback and included all of these elements in the upgrade design,” she said.
“Many people also said they valued the station’s heritage, so we’ve retained the historic train turntable, as well as ensuring any new infrastructure is sympathetic to the existing station buildings.”
Under the Ballarat Line Upgrade, a new stabling facility will be built further up the line at Maddingley, to house more trains and enable the train stabling at Bacchus Marsh to be removed.
The upgrade is part of the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival, a joint initiative of the Australian and Victorian governments.