Rail project in motion

Duplication and second platform for Waurn Ponds

A SECOND platform and an additional section of track to be built at Waurn Ponds station will improve reliability on the Geelong line, the State Government says.

Preliminary planning work was completed this week but construction is two years away.

Regional Rail Revival director Mark Havryluk said laser scanners and real-time GPS were used to investigate terrain condition.

“The Geelong line upgrade is well under way with surveying work kicking off at Waurn Ponds station,” Mr Havryluk said.

“A second platform and additional track at Waurn Ponds Station will create another opportunity for trains to pass each other.”

The upgrade could see the line duplicated between Waurn Ponds and South Geelong, and deliver 10-minute peak services, the State Government says.

The State and Federal governments have allocated $160 million to the project but its final cost is expected to be more than $300 million.

The business case has been submitted to Infrastructure Australia and assesses duplicating the rail line between Waurn Ponds and South Geelong, adding a second platform and parking at Marshall and South Geelong stations and duplicating the rail bridge across Barwon River at Breakwater, according to a Government document.

Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson said duplication was one of the region’s key infrastructure projects.

“A dual track will provide more frequent and reliable services for passengers to the south of Geelong station through to Colac and beyond,” Ms Henderson said.

“In contrast to the $150 million the Turnbull government is delivering for this project, State Labor has committed only $10 million.

“I again call on Labor to urgently deliver funding for this project.”

State Government spokeswoman Hayley Bester said: “It was just yesterday that (Transport) Minister (Jacinta) Allan continued constructive conversations with the Deputy Prime Minister about a range of opportunities for Geelong passengers, including spending additional money allocated to the Geelong line in the recent Federal Budget.”

Plans for a pedestrian link at Waurn Ponds station, and the length of track to be duplicated are yet to be finalised.

The upgrade includes $30 million to fund planning for a line to Armstrong Creek.

Land for the line is expected to be reserved following a detailed planning process.

Meanwhile V/Line has failed its punctuality target of 92 per cent, which allows trains to run up to six minutes late and still be considered on time.

V/Line acting chief executive Carol-Anne Nelson said: “It was disappointing to see a drop in punctuality for this line last month, particularly after we worked hard to see improved results in April.”

It has met its punctuality target of 92 per cent in two of the past 34 months.

The State Government has added 289 services to the Geelong line since 2015.