The first of six new signalling equipment rooms (SERs) being installed as part of the Gippsland Line Upgrade in Victoria has been lifted into position between Nar Nar Goon and Tynong stations.
The SER, weighing in at almost 16 tonnes and with a footprint of 44 square metres, was installed as part of work to prepare the Gippsland Line for a new signalling system.
This work progressed alongside V/Line maintenance during a construction blitz in late November and early December while coaches replaced trains.
More than 260 people worked more than 30,000 hours between Pakenham and Traralgon, including installing new track at the Hope Street level crossing in Bunyip.
Crew members worked around the clock, allowing Hope Street to reopen to vehicles and pedestrians a week early.
The new signalling equipment room between Nar Nar Goon and Tynong stations will be a crucial link between the signalling systems used in Gippsland and the metropolitan network.
The new signalling system for the Gippsland Line, in conjunction with track works and station upgrades already delivered as part of the Gippsland Line Upgrade, will enable more services and also future-proof the line.
The Gippsland Line Upgrade has already delivered benefits, with level crossing upgrades allowing modern VLocity trains to run to Bairnsdale for the first time.
Construction of a new rail bridge over the Avon River now allows trains to travel at up to 90km/h, no longer needing to slow to 10km/h in this section.
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