Work to deliver 9 daily return services and faster journeys for Shepparton passengers will commence during a construction blitz on the line this month.
Stage 3 of the project will be accelerated by expanding on the upgrades already underway as part of Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade.
The new stabling facility being built north of Shepparton to house modern and reliable VLocity trains will be expanded, to accommodate even more trains and enable more services.
The Murchison East crossing loop will also be extended by an additional 1.1km, to enable a 1200m freight train and two six-car VLocity trains to pass each other, making services more reliable.
Coaches replace trains between Southern Cross, Seymour and Shepparton from Saturday 4 September until Sunday 12 September to enable construction on the expanded crossing loop to commence and for Stage 2 works to progress along the line.
Site investigations will also take place during the upcoming construction blitz, to inform design of the track and signalling upgrades needed to deliver nine return services on the line.
The contractor delivering Stage 2 of the project - Coleman Rail and KBR, as part of an alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line – will deliver the expanded loop and stabling facility.
A delivery contractor for the track and signalling upgrades will be confirmed in the coming months, subject to procurement, planning and environmental approvals.
Construction of Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade continues to ramp up and is targeted for completion in late 2022.
Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade will provide a massive boost for passengers on the Shepparton Line, almost doubling the number of services each weekday and delivering faster journeys, and is targeted for completion in late 2023.