The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project will deliver more frequent and reliable services and better stations for passengers on Victoria’s busiest regional rail line.

Over $1 billion is being invested to deliver better and more frequent services for the communities between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds. This includes the newly completed Waurn Ponds Station upgrade, Waurn Ponds stabling and the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication.

The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project will deliver five trains per hour during the peaks, and three per hour between the peaks for Marshall and Waurn Ponds stations as well as improved reliability for Geelong services.

The project includes two level crossing removals, station upgrades at South Geelong and Marshall, track duplication and signalling upgrades as well as new shared user paths to better connect South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.

The Djilang Alliance, comprising McConnell Dowell, Downer, Arup and WSP Australia, has been appointed to deliver the project, which will include opportunities for local contractors and suppliers.

Major construction will get underway later this year and is targeted for completion in late 2024.

• Over $1 billion for rail upgrades between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds
• Creating 1,300+ jobs
• Access to more frequent and reliable services for the growing communities of Geelong and the Surf Coast
• Station upgrades at Marshall and South Geelong to improve station accessibility and amenity for passengers
• 5 train services per hour during the peaks, and 3 per hour between the peaks
• Creating new green open space and improved cycling and walking connections
• Removing level crossings to boost safety for 36,000 vehicles
• 8km of duplicated track to allow trains to pass each other and recover more quickly from delays

Upgrading the Geelong Line

The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication is being delivered as part of the Australian and Victorian governments’ investment of more than $4 billion in Regional Rail Revival, which is upgrading every regional passenger line in the state and creating more than 3,000 jobs.

Project timeline

2022 - Contract award, consultation and construction underway

• Engagement with the community continues.
• Early works underway with major construction to begin in late 2022.
• Major construction targeted for completion in late 2024.

2024 - Construction complete