The Gippsland rail siding will see over $3 million worth of upgrades begin this week, with the service being one of the busiest trains in regional Victoria.
The program will ensure goods from Australian Paper’s Gippsland mill are transported efficiently for national export and distribution.
The Maryvale mill, opened in 1937 in Gippsland, is one of the largest employers in the region, manufacturing nearly 600,000 tonnes of paper and board annually.
Jane Garrett, Member for Eastern Victoria said, “The Australian Paper Mill has a long and proud history, and we are focused on supporting our freight industry to continue doing what they do best.”
The project is funded under the states $83 million investment into regional rail maintenance as part of the Building Works stimulus package.
These works follow on from last year’s installation of an automated signalling system to increase connectivity between Morwell and the Gippsland line.
Upgrades such as sleeper replacements, ballast renewals, track resurfacing as well as mud hole removal will take place with these works aimed at improving track and siding conditions to increase safety and reliability for freight.
Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight said, “These important works will help ensure one of our highest-volume regional rail freight trains can continue to operate a frequent and reliable service now and into the future.”
Construction will begin at a junction near Morwell on the Gippsland line where passengers and freight services share the rail network, and is expected to also benefit passengers by reducing delays.
V/Line staff and contractors will complete the construction in four blocks, beginning this week. Works are expected to be completed between train services to minimise disruptions with the project expected to be completed mid-June.
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