MAJOR works will continue this summer on the Shepparton trainline, as the project enters the second and third stages of the line’s major overhaul.
During these final stages, construction will begin extending platforms at Nagambie and Murchison East stations, to enable VLocity trains to travel on the line for the very first time.
Stage 1, which has been completed, has already delivered an additional 10 weekly services between Shepparton and Melbourne.
The State and Federal Governments have funded $400M for Stage 3, which will then permit trains to travel up to 130km/h, as well as enable nine return journeys to and from Melbourne every weekday.
Jacinta Allen, minister for transport infrastructure, said, “These works will enable VLocity trains to run on the line for the first time and give passengers more choice when they travel on our regional network.”
Stage 2 is expected to be completed late into 2022, and Stage 3 is scheduled for completion in 2023.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes said, “The Shepparton line is a vitally important part of our regional train network – and these works will give passengers the modern and reliable trains they’ve been calling for, with more services, more often.”
Coaches will replace trains for the entire journey between Melbourne and Shepparton from Wednesday December 1 and Friday, December 10. Passengers are advised to plan ahead if using railways.
