Major construction is underway to make Ballarat Station more accessible, with crews getting to work on pouring foundations for a new overpass with lift and stair access to both platforms.
The station upgrade, which also includes a revamped northern entrance with ramp and sliding doors, will make it easier for people with disability, luggage or prams to access the station without having to use the Lydiard Street level crossing.
A 60-tonne piling rig has started drilling for the foundations for the new overpass, lift shaft and stairs on each side of the rail line, digging 6 holes up to 8m deep through layers of rock beneath the station precinct.
We will then pour concrete for the supporting pier columns, before installing the large steel structures for the staircases on both sides of the station.
The new overpass and steel structures for the lifts will then be installed later in the year, ahead of the overpass opening in 2026.
The major construction follows earlier works to remove sections of the station roofing and fencing, and concrete paving between the bus interchange and the northern platform to prepare for the piling rig.
Final designs for the station upgrade were released last year following community feedback and approval by Heritage Victoria, reducing the height of the overpass and creating open belvedere balconies with glass balustrades in the lift landings to provide scenic views of the clock tower and train hall.
From April, the Ballarat Line will get an additional 33 services, with trains to run every 40 minutes on weekends between 8am and 9pm.
Almost 40 million train and coach trips have been taken on the V/Line network, and more than $114 million saved by passengers since the regional fare cap was introduced in March 2023.
