Thursday, 10 August 2017

Work is underway to install more than 40,000 new sleepers between Pakenham and Traralgon, which will keep services safe and reliable for passengers.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that the major maintenance works started overnight between Warragul and Longwarry.

Between now and the end of the year, these crews will work around through the night in 10-day blocks, delivering $20 million in upgrades.

Works include lifting up the rail, removing old sleepers and then replacing them to prevent and limit track faults from occurring.

V/Line is completing the sleeper replacement at night when fewer services are running, meaning trains can continue to run while crews work on the opposite track.

There may be minor delays to some evening services due to trains slowing down to ensure the safety of workers.

Local residents have also been advised by V/Line there may be noise at night as works progress along the line.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“The $20 million worth of maintenance is a critical part of our ongoing and unprecedented investment in Gippsland’s rail infrastructure and services, and it will make our line safer and more reliable for local passengers.”

“We’re investing heavily in new trains, extra services and the nuts and bolts maintenance work our network needs, so that Gippsland passengers can get the services they deserve.”