Sunday, 30 April, 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a massive upgrade of the Gippsland line, to run more trains, more often to Victoria’s East, as part of its $1.45 billion Regional Rail Revival package unveiled today.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing at Warragul Station today to announce the $435 million Gippsland Line Upgrade, as part of the Regional Rail Revival package in the Victorian Budget 2017/18.

The upgrade will build new track, stations and stabling to provide more frequent, safe and reliable services to Gippsland, enabling trains every 40 minutes during the day, at night and on the weekend.

Train detection systems at 20 level crossings along the corridor will be upgraded to boost safety for motorists, passengers and local communities
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The project will duplicate the notorious section of single track between Bunyip and Longwarry, and build second platforms at both stations to cater for the new dual track
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Duplicated track will also be extended near Moe, Morwell and Traralgon, and a second platform will be built at Morwell Station.

At Traralgon, a second platform will be built at the station, signalling will be upgraded and the train depot will be relocated to a larger site to stable more trains and support more services.

This huge investment on the Gippsland Line will create more than 400 jobs, with a dedicated project office in the Latrobe Valley.

Regional Rail Revival also includes an additional $95 million for Stage 2 of the Gippsland Rail Upgrade, which will duplicate the Avon River Bridge, enabling faster, more reliable services to Bairnsdale.

The full Regional Rail Revival package will be funded in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 on receipt of Victoria’s $1.46 billion entitlement under the Asset Recycling Initiative.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“This project will deliver a rail line people in Gippsland can rely on, and create hundreds of local jobs.”

“After years of excuses and neglect from the Liberals and Nationals, we’re building a better Gippsland line – and work starts now.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This is the biggest investment in the Gippsland line for a generation and at long last it is being delivered by a Labor Government as part of our ongoing commitment to this region.”

“These upgrades, improvements and duplications will better connect our communities, improve services, increase safety and reliability, and drive local jobs for years to come.”