The Shepparton Line Upgrade will enable modern VLocity trains to run to Shepparton for the first time, deliver faster journeys and almost double the number of services on the line

Delivering benefits for Shepparton Line passengers

Major construction is progressing on platform extensions, level crossing upgrades and a new stabling facility as part of Stage 2 to enable VLocity trains to travel on the line.

The Victorian Government has invested $356 million in the first two stages of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, with Stage 1 delivering an extra 10 services a week between Melbourne and Shepparton in early 2019.

The Victorian and Australian governments have invested $400 million in Stage 3 of the project, with work underway to enable nine return weekday services on the line and trains to travel faster.

The Shepparton Line Upgrade will create more than 600 jobs.

The Victorian and Australian governments have invested more than $4 billion in Regional Rail Revival, which is upgrading every regional passenger line in Victoria and creating 3,000 jobs

Progress

Coleman Rail in partnership with KBR is delivering Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, as part of an Alliance with Regional Rail Revival and V/Line.

Work is underway to extend platforms at Nagambie and Murchison East stations to accommodate longer VLocity trains.

Construction has also commenced on a new stabling facility north of Shepparton Station to house VLocity trains.

Underground trenching, boring and pipe installation works have continued north of Seymour as part of upgrades to 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton.

These upgrades will ensure the crossings are compatible with VLocity trains, and boost safety for all passengers and road users. Level crossing works, including cabling and signalling upgrades, are continuing along the line in 2022.

Construction of Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade is targeted for completion in late 2022.

Stage 3 works on the Murchison East crossing loop extension and the Shepparton stabling facility are underway.

These works are being delivered consecutively by Coleman Rail in partnership with KBR, to maximise efficiencies in construction.

Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade included extension of the Murchison East crossing loop to suit a 1200m freight train.

The loop will now be extended as part of Stage 3 by an additional 1.1km, to enable a 1200m freight train and two six-car VLocity trains to pass each other.

The stabling facility being built north of Shepparton as part of Stage 2 was designed for expansion as part of Stage 3, to support additional services.

Next steps

A delivery contractor for the track and signalling upgrades will be confirmed in the coming months, subject to procurement, planning and environmental approvals.

Meanwhile site investigations have continued along the line to inform the design of the Stage 3 track and signalling upgrades, which will enable nine weekday return services to Shepparton and deliver faster journeys.

Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade is targeted for completion in late 2023.