FUNDING worth $80M was confirmed yesterday in the Victorian State Budget for the final stage of the Shepparton Passenger Line Upgrade, which will see VLocity trains on the line beyond 2022.
The upgrades, currently in stage two, will establish the infrastructure to allow for the faster trains, making rail travel between Melbourne and Shepparton easier.
Stage two works include:
• Upgrading train detection technology at 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton, with 32 crossing also being upgraded from Stop and Give Way signs to boom gates, bells and flashing lights – boosting safety for train passengers and local drivers
• A new stabling facility north of Shepparton Station
• Platform extensions at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations to make room for the longer VLocity trains
• A crossing loop extension at Murchison East – giving trains more room to pass each other and reduce unexpected delays.
Stage two works are expected to be complete by late 2022.
According to Rail Projects Victoria, stage three upgrades will deliver the signalling infrastructure between Seymour and Shepparton to enable nine weekday return services, more stabling for VLocity trains and track upgrades so trains can travel faster.
Independent Member for Shepparton District and long-time advocate for improved train services to the region, Suzanna Sheed, said she was delighted at the progress of the upgrades.
“It’s been five years since the All Aboard campaign, including many community members and myself, travelled to the steps of the Victorian Parliament calling for better rail services for Shepparton,” she said.
“I am proud to say that Shepparton locals worked hard to ensure their voices were heard and that our community’s needs are being met because of that hard work. Today the minister has announced that work is now underway to deliver the infrastructure that will take VLocity trains to Shepparton for the first time and give Shepparton Line passengers the modern, reliable public transport services they deserve.”
