Twenty level crossing upgrades on the Warrnambool line will be completed under a $10-million state government plan aimed at getting the region’s train service back on track by the end of the year.
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The announcement will fast-track eight crossings already scheduled for upgrades, as well as add another 12 road crossings – complete with boom gates, lights and bells – to the Warrnambool line.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the upgrades meant temporary speed restrictions would be lifted by the end of 2017.
Delays have plagued the line since speed restrictions were introduced as a safety measure following last year’s crash between a train and truck at the Pirron Yallock crossing. Ms Allan said the work would be the biggest crossing upgrade in the line’s history and give more certainty to passengers.
“What I think is really important for passengers is that they get some stability in the timetable. If there’s uncertainty, like there is at the moment, that can be really frustrating and difficult,” she said.
Warrnambool-line passengers can expect more delays for the next 10 months as work is carried out, with trips expected to take an extra 15-20 minutes.
“It’s a big job to do all 20 along the line and we’re going to be doing it as quickly as we possibly can,” Ms Allan said.
Ms Allan acknowledged there was still more work to be done to improve the Warrnambool line, but said the crossing upgrades would deal with the immediate problem of delays caused by speed restrictions.