Freight trains will return to the Murrayville-Ouyen corridor in regional Victoria, after it was upgraded and converted from broad to standard gauge.
Sleeper replacement and track maintenance has taken place on the 109-kilometre line as part of the Andrews Government’s $440 million Murray Basin Rail Project.
The work is being conducted by a joint venture of McConnell Dowell and Martinus Rail.
The Martinus/McConnell Dowell partnership won a major contract midway through 2017 for upgrades and gauge conversion works in Victoria’s Murray Basin.
The Murrayville-Ouyen reopening will connect trains to the recently re-opened Mildura Line, which was upgraded between Yelta and Dunolly under the same contract.
State transport minister Jacinta Allan said trains from Murrayville often transported grain, mineral sands, fruit, vegetables and wine to export markets.
“The upcoming completion of the Murrayville to Ouyen line upgrade is a major milestone for the Murray Basin Rail Project,” Allan said.
“These works will be complemented by the remaining stages of the project, which we’re working closely with industry to deliver.”
“We’re listening to industry and will work alongside them over the coming months – taking into account the feedback we have received.”
The Martinus/McConell Dowell team is also upgrading and converting the railway between Ararat and Maryborough, where 21 level crossings are being upgraded with boom gates, bells and flashing lights.
V/Line has implemented a Manual Train Order system on the Maryborough to Ararat Line to allow a significant increase in the number of train movements on the line for trains going in the same direction.
Future stages of the Murray Basin Rail Project include upgrades and gauge conversion works from Maryborough to Manangatang, Korang Vale to Sealake, and further south, between Warrenheip and Gheringhap.
The Murray Basin Rail Project aims to upgrade rail links from Victoria’s north west to major export sites in Portland, Geelong and Melbourne.
Industry representatives met with Freight Victoria, V/Line and Rail Projects Victoria on Friday to discuss the Victorian Freight Plan, rail freight operations, and an update on the status of rail freight projects.
The state has confirmed 2020 target delivery timeframe for the completion of the Murray Basin Rail Project and the Freight-Passenger Rail Separation Project.
The Freight-Passenger Rail Separation Project aims to improve track and signalling through the Ballarat Station precinct.