Trains have come to a halt on the Warrnambool line as V/Line commences its two-week statewide transport construction blitz.
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The upgrades started on Saturday and are expected to end on Sunday, April 21.
Road coaches will replace trains for all or part of the journey between Warrnambool and Southern Cross.
Services will be replaced by a mix of express, semi-express and stopping all stations coaches.
There is limited space for bikes and no pets or hot food allowed on coach replacement services.
Journey times may be extended by up to 60 minutes with highly variable traffic conditions.
During the blitz, extensive track, signalling and station upgrades will be completed between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool.
The Otway Street rail bridge in Warrnambool and two bridges near Allansford will also be upgraded and station canopies at Winchelsea, Camperdown and Terang will be repaired.
A dedicated management centre has been established to coordinate the mass movement of commuters. The Planned Disruption Management Centre (PDMC) allows representatives from all the transport agencies to closely monitor the network, react to trends and respond to incidents.
Expert signal engineers can adjust traffic signals in real time to keep buses moving with more green lights.
The PDMC has been developed to improve coordination between Public Transport Victoria, VicRoads, V/Line, Metro Trains and bus operators, to optimise traffic flow and ensure buses connect with stations to minimise extra travel time for passengers.
The state's Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the essential works were being delivered to "prepare and improve Victoria's rail network for decades to come".
"A record 600 replacement buses are now operating to keep passengers in Melbourne and regional Victoria moving," she said.
As part of planning for the disruption, all non-essential roads works have been put on hold on bus replacement routes.
Passengers are encouraged to allow extra travel time during the works and to check for more information on replacement buses and disruptions. Temporary Warrnambool line timetables can be found here.
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