The Warrnambool train line is step closer to having its service back on track, with 10 out of 22 level crossings upgraded.
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All 22 level crossings are due to be upgraded by the end of the year, which V/Line says will restore journey times affected by safety-related speed restrictions.
Level crossings at Vickers Road in Panmure and Ondit Road in Winchelsea have been upgraded with boom gates, bells, flashing lights and axle counters.
Transport Minister Jacinta Allan announced $10 million for crossing upgrades near the beginning of the year.
Speed restrictions introduced after a collision between a truck and a semi-trailer at a Pirron Yallock level crossing, near Colac, in July last year have slowed journey times on the Warrnambool line.
The Standard recently found the time it takes to travel between Warrnambool and Melbourne by train had increased by an average of 14 minutes since the beginning of last year, creeping closer to a four-hour journey.
Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney thanked passengers for their patience during the works.
“We’ve lowered the risk of accidents and boosted safety for everyone at 10 level crossings across the Warrnambool line,” Ms Tierney said.
“We’re not wasting a second upgrading the final 12 crossings so everyone can get home safer when travelling through these crossings.”
Completed crossing upgrades in the package include one at Back Larpent Road, Larpent and one at Wiridgil Lane, Weerite.
The Warrnambool line came close to meeting its 92 per cent punctuality target in September, with a rate of 90 per cent recorded.
The spike followed the introduction of a new timetable in late August with more accurate, longer journey times.
Earlier this month, Panmure residents expressed concern for the safety of motorists due to upgraded boom gates malfunctioning at Heath Marsh Road.
V/Line said issues with the level crossing had been caused by wet weather.
Train detection equipment at level crossings on the Warrnambool line has been upgraded this year, making them more sensitive to water and causing them to operate unnecessarily at times.
Monday’s 7.13pm Melbourne to Warrnambool service was cancelled due to a train fault, with passengers advised to board coaches from Geelong.
