THE problem-riddled Warrnambool to Melbourne train line is still facing an uphill battle when it comes to arriving on time.
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In the four day period from March 20 to March 23, there were 24 of 30 trains which arrived on time.
In that same period two services were replaced with coaches. A V/Line spokeswoman confirmed the service was experiencing more issues than just speed restrictions ahead of a $10 million project to upgrade 20 level crossings with boom gates, bells and lights.
Faults included an unworkable brake system, damage as result of animal strikes and issues with the train doors.
V/Line also revealed coaches would replace all services on the line from Saturday, April 8 to Sunday, April 16. Coaches will replace trains for the entire journey from Melbourne to Warrnambool, while coaches will replace Warrnambool trains between Geelong and Warrnambool.
“V/Line is completing $4.4 million in improvement works on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines from Saturday, April 8 to Monday, April 17,” she said.
“Around 100 V/Line staff and contractors will work around the clock to complete the track and signal upgrades along the line. This includes the replacement of 2500 timber sleepers with concrete in the section of track between Marshall and Waurn Ponds as well as replacing ballast on most of the south-west line.”
She said crews would replace the deck on a rail bridge near Terang and complete improvements to active level crossings between Winchelsea and Warrnambool.
The spokeswoman said passengers would be advised of delays via a number of channels including Twitter and SMS notifications.