PASSENGER and freight rail services on the Shepparton line are set to improve after $320M of Federal Government funding was allocated for the stage three upgrade. The State Government will invest $80M in the $400M project.
The upgrades are expected to see nine VLocity weekday trains travelling at speeds of up to 130km/hr which should reduce travel time between Shepparton and Melbourne to under two hours.
The funding announcement came as part of a $1.1B Victorian transport infrastructure blitz announced only days prior to the delayed release of the Federal budget this week.
According to Member for Nicholls Damian Drum, the stage three upgrade is scheduled to begin in early 2021 and be finished by late 2023.
“The line upgrade will ensure people in our community get home sooner and safer, while also delivering more jobs locally,” Mr Drum said.
Member for Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed, said, “This is fantastic and welcome news for our community.
“This investment comes at a critical time for our region as our local economy has really felt the stress from COVID-19. It is so good to see our State and Federal Governments working together on these nation building projects.
“The Shepparton rail project will play an important role both at a national and state level to lead recovery and support employment in the region.”
Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell, welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment saying it was great news for Greater Shepparton.
Just last month it was announced Coleman Rail and KBR were selected to build stage two of the Shepparton Line upgrade to enable the first VLocity trains on the line.
The project will see extended platforms at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations to accommodate the longer trains and a new stabling facility in an industrial area north of Shepparton Station including facilities for staff.
The project will also upgrade 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton, plus an extension to the crossing loop near Murchison East to enable trains to pass each other.
