Train passengers in the state’s south-west can continue to look forward to a safe, reliable and comfortable journey following the replacement of more than 26,000 sleepers along the Warrnambool line.
The Victorian Government has invested $8.1 million to replace timber sleepers with concrete in the section of track between Colac and Waurn Ponds.
The project started in June and has been completed in eight weeks, with crews working through the night in 10-day blocks to help minimise the disruption to passenger services.
More than 20 workers have been involved in the program, replacing around 7,000 sleepers in a 10-day block.
The sleepers were manufactured near Geelong at the Austrak factory in Avalon, supporting regional Victorian jobs at this important time.
This essential maintenance will help ensure V/Line can continue to provide a safe, reliable and comfortable journey for passengers in the state’s south-west.
V/Line has been following the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on work sites to ensure this important project could progress during this time. This includes implementing physical distancing wherever possible, providing Personal Protective Equipment and implementing other safety measures to help keep everyone safe.
V/Line is making its way around the state completing this important maintenance. Crews moved to the Warrnambool line following the completion of a $16.1 million sleeper replacement program along the northern corridor in May, where crews replaced 48,000 sleepers between Sunbury and Bendigo. This followed the replacement of more than 37,000 sleepers on the Seymour and Shepparton lines last year.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“These works are vitally important for the ongoing upkeep of the line, helping to ensure V/Line can continue to offer a safe, reliable and comfortable journey to passengers who rely on the service.”
“We’ve kept public transport services running to a full timetable throughout the pandemic and continue to ensure an intensified cleaning program on regional trains, coaches and at stations to keep passengers and frontline workers safe.”
“This project is not only going to benefit passengers but is supporting regional Victorian business to get the job done at this important time.”
“If people are unwell, it is vital they stay home and do not travel. We ask passengers to help us slow the spread of coronavirus by limiting their movement where they can, and by always wearing a face covering when out in public.”