Better and faster train services for VIC Geelong with new fast rail

Another significant rail infrastructure is set to be built in Victoria and the State Government is investing $2 billion to match the Australian Government’s commitment towards the first stage of the project that will deliver better connections between Geelong and Melbourne. 

The Geelong Fast Rail will slash about 15 minutes from the travel time between Melbourne and Geelong, providing commuters with a congestion-free trip to and from the CBD. 

This proposed new rail corridor will be a major boost to Geelong, which is expected to have a population growth of approximately 50 per cent over the next 30 years. 

“We want commuters to spend less time travelling and more time with loved ones and the faster rail corridor provides a better transport link for urban and regional communities. 

“When we make a promise, we keep it. We will deliver faster services to Geelong – and shovels will be in the ground in just a few years,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. 

Stage 1 of the Geelong Fast Rail will include: 

• New track dedicated to regional services (between Werribee and Laverton) 
• Upgrades to bridges over main roads 
• Station upgrades at Werribee and Laverton 
• New bridges and culverts over creeks and rivers 
• Signalling and train control system upgrades 

Geelong Fast Rail is set to become the shortest and most direct rail line between Geelong and Melbourne, which is about eight kilometres shorter than the existing route that passes through the western suburbs via Sunshine. 

In addition, running Geelong train services on the Werribee corridor will free up room for more trains to the western suburbs – including in Wyndham, Melton, Ballarat and Bendigo which all run on the Sunshine corridor. 

Several Geelong services will continue running on the existing corridor for increased frequency, choice as well as the fastest connection with the future Melbourne Airport Rail line. 

“Every dollar we spend on infrastructure is a dollar invested in local jobs, local businesses, local industries and local communities. 

“This nation-building infrastructure will ensure commuters can get home sooner and safer, increasing the liveability of the entire Geelong region,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

Project map (source: Rail Projects Victoria)

The delivery of Geelong Fast Rail is the first part of the Australian Government’s 20-year faster rail plan. 

“This is a critical route for faster rail which will make a huge difference for thousands of Victorians. 

“When all stages are completed the time from Geelong to Melbourne will be just 40 minutes,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Allan Tudge said. 

The Geelong Fast Rail project will not only deliver better train services, it will also support more than 2,800 jobs during its construction phase. 

“Geelong Fast Rail Stage 1 will deliver more frequent and reliable services for one of our biggest cities – creating more jobs and access to services for locals,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said. 

The Australian and Victorian Governments have invested $2 billion each to deliver Stage 1 of the Geelong Fast Rail. 

The two levels of government will continue working together on detailed planning and technical investigations for a business case for Stage 1 along with scoping for future investments for the Geelong rail corridor that will further improve travel times. 

Subject to relevant planning, environmental and government approvals, construction on Geelong Fast Rail is expected to commence in 2023. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media centre (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; 9 News; Victoria’s Big Build (1, 2); Rail Projects Victoria (1, 2)