Sleeper Replacement Works Move To Shepparton Line

  • Minister for Public Transport

The Andrews Labor Government’s sleeper line replacement has moved to the next phase, with crews working through the night to replace tens-of-thousands of sleepers between Seymour and Shepparton.

Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today visited Seymour where crews began replacing the first of 37,000 sleepers on the 83-kilometre section of track between Seymour and Shepparton.

The major overhaul, which will help ensure a safe and reliable service for north east communities, is progressing quickly with workers already on the section of track between Murchison East and Toolamba.

A crew of 50 V/Line staff is working through the night in 10-night blocks, completing the work while Shepparton trains aren’t running so passengers aren’t disrupted.

This essential maintenance will not only ensure safe and reliable journeys for passengers – it will also reduce the need for future maintenance and improve the ride quality of the track.

Because of the vital works, Shepparton trains need to travel over the new sleepers at a slower speed to allow them to bed down. As a result, all services have an additional two minutes’ journey time during the works.

A revised temporary timetable for Shepparton services is in place and is available on the V/Line website so passengers can plan their journey.

As stated by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

“We’re carrying out these major works to improve services for passengers along the Seymour and Shepparton lines.”

“Crews are working through the night to get these essential sleeper replacements done while minimising disruptions to passengers.”

As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“We’re getting on with the job of replacing tens of thousands of sleepers along the Seymour and Shepparton lines – improving safety and reliability for regional commuters.”

“We’ve invested more than $27 million on sleeper replacements along the rail corridor in the last 12-months as part of our plan to deliver more reliable services for locals.”

/Public Release. View in full here.