The Warrnambool Line Upgrade will deliver a fifth weekday return service between Warrnambool and Melbourne, improve safety and reliability, and will allow modern VLocity trains to travel on the line for the first time.

Project scope

The Warrnambool Line Upgrade will be delivered in 2 stages.

Stage 1 is complete and included:

  • a new crossing loop at Boorcan
  • signalling upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool
  • 12 level crossing upgrades

Stage 2, which is now underway, includes:

  • upgrades to train detection technology at more than 50 public level crossings
  • a stabling upgrade at Warrnambool Station.

Stage 1 includes a crossing loop between Terang and Camperdown, signalling upgrades and 12 level crossing upgrades between Warrnambool and Waurn Ponds. Stage 2 includes more than 50 public level crossings and a stabling upgrade at Warrnambool.

Project benefits

  • more services on the Warrnambool Line
  • more comfortable passenger journeys
  • improved reliability on the Warrnambool Line
  • faster service recovery from unexpected delays
  • VLocity trains able to stay overnight in Warrnambool
  • safer level crossings
  • all public level crossings on the line will be protected by boom gates
  • improved support for rail freight

Next steps

Stage 1 works were completed in December 2022. The new crossing loop at Boorcan as well as the fifth weekday return service are now in operation.

Site investigations are underway for Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade, to allow VLocity trains to run on the Warrnambool Line for the first time.

Project delivery

The Warrnambool Line Upgrade is being delivered by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV), on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Downer was awarded the contract to design and build key components of Stage 1 of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade.

The 12 level crossing upgrades completed as part of Stage 1 of the projects were delivered by V/Line on behalf of Rail Projects Victoria.

Find out more about supplier opportunities for the Warrnambool Line Upgrade.

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