Major construction begins on Warrnambool line

Vic Department of Transport

Improved reliability and more frequent rail services are a step closer for residents in South West Victoria, with work starting this week on signalling upgrades and a crossing loop as part of the Warrnambool line upgrade.

Crews are kicking off construction by installing underground cabling to support signalling upgrades along the line.

Work on a 2.2-kilometre crossing loop between Boorcan Road and Oswell Road in Boorcan will begin in coming weeks.

Contractor Downer has implemented a COVIDSafe Plan, which includes limiting the number of people on site and strict guidelines for workers to follow regarding site access.

Passengers and road users will also benefit from improved safety on the line, with construction now complete on 12 level crossing upgrades.

The final three level crossing upgrades at Armytage Road in Winchelsea, Bourke’s Road in Warncoort and Station Road in Pirron Yallock were completed last week and now feature boom gates, bells, lights and better train detection technology.

The upgrade forms part of the Australian and Victorian governments’ investment of more than $2 billion in the Regional Rail Revival, which is upgrading every passenger rail line in the state and creating more than 1,000 jobs.

The Warrnambool line upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian Government, which is committing $226.2 million, and the Victorian Government, which is investing $25.4 million.

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