Upgrades to deliver more train services for Gippsland

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Early works and site investigations are currently underway in Victoria’s east, with more exciting upgrades coming for the Gippsland Line.

The project is already delivering benefits for passengers with upgrades to level crossings between Sale and Bairnsdale allowing VLocity trains to run to and from Bairnsdale for the first time.

The new Avon River Bridge in Stratford, which was completed 3 months ahead of schedule, allows trains to travel faster as they no longer need to slow down to 10km/h.

Coming up on the Gippsland Line

Planned works between Pakenham and Traralgon include:

  • duplicating sections of track
  • extending the Morwell crossing loop
  • upgrading level crossings and signalling
  • adding second platforms at 3 stations along the line
  • reactivating the second platform at Traralgon.

The works will allow Traralgon trains to travel every 40 minutes between the peaks and improve reliability.

The project also includes upgrades to drainage structures at Morwell River and a Victorian-first trial of solar-powered wireless level crossing detection technology at Farrells Lane in Stratford.

New station in Pakenham

A new station will be built at Pakenham East, including dedicated V/Line tracks, to avoid congestion and improve reliability.

From 2029, V/Line passengers will be able to connect at Pakenham for a train directly through to Melbourne Airport.

Creating local jobs

Construction of the recently completed Avon River Bridge involved 25 local contractors and suppliers and, on completion, the Gippsland Line Upgrade overall will have provided over 500 vital jobs for eastern Victoria.

The Gippsland Line Upgrade is being delivered as part of the Regional Rail Revival program, which is upgrading every regional passenger rail line in Victoria and creating 3000 jobs.

VicConnect, a consortium made up of UGL Limited, Decmil and Arup, has been contracted to deliver the upgrades.

Gippsland Line Upgrade