Major works on the Waurn Ponds Station Upgrade in Geelong have now been complete, paving the way for commissioning and critical safety testing to take place later this year, to enable additional services to run on the Warrnambool Rail Line.
The Waurn Ponds Station Upgrade includes a transformed main entrance to give locals better access to the station, as well as more than 200 new car parking spaces, better security, and improved passenger information.
The upgrade also includes the construction of a second platform on the south side of the station – with an accessible pedestrian overpass connecting it to the existing platform.
Final fit outs on the second platform will be completed in early this year, including line marking and seating installation.
Major earthworks have also continued at the site for the new train stabling and maintenance facility near Waurn Ponds, which will allow track installation works to take place this year.
Crews have since installed drainage and commenced work on the new track to link the main line to the stabling facility – which will support the extension of services on the line to Waurn Ponds.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said a new forecourt and drop off zone will also open to the public after safety inspections take place this year.
“We’re getting on with these works to make Waurn Ponds station safer, more user-friendly and easier to get to,” Allan said. “The upgrade is part of our massive investment in better train services to Geelong and Victoria’s south west.”
State Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said passengers on the Warrnambool Rail Line will reap the rewards of the upgrade.
“This line is a vital part of our rail network – and these works at Waurn Ponds Station will give passengers the frequent and more reliable train services they deserve,” Cheeseman said.
The Federal and Victorian governments have invested more than $4 billion in Victoria’s regional rail network, which is upgrading every passenger rail line in Victoria and creating more than 3000 jobs and local supplier opportunities.
For more information on the works, click here.
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