Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan has announced that the roll-out of the $518 million Ballarat Line Upgrade is going to be managed by a dedicated project team from the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority (MMRA).
“Melbourne Metro Rail Authority is delivering the biggest public transport project in Melbourne, and it will now deliver the biggest project in regional Victoria as well,” Ms Allan said.
Construction works tender for the Ballarat Line Upgrade is expected to be announced by the end of the year, with project completion set for 2026.
MMRA – who is also overseeing the delivery of Australia’s largest public transport project, the Metro Rail – is one of Australia’s most experienced rail experts and this makes them the perfect team to deliver the half-a-billion dollar upgrade.
“MMRA has the experience and expertise to deliver these projects and more frequent, reliable trains to Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Ballarat,” said Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard.
Upgrade works will include duplicating a 17-kilometre section of single track between Deer Park and Melton, allowing more frequent and reliable rail services to Melbourne’s outer western suburbs as well as Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Ballarat.
Works will also include the duplication of a three-kilometre section of single track west of Warrenheip as well as the construction of three additional crossing loops at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and near Bungaree. Second platforms will also be created at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations and the existing Rockbank Station platform will be extended as part of the project.
“This is wonderful news for the Ballarat Line Upgrade, which will deliver more frequent, reliable trains – building on the new carriages and services we’ve already delivered for Ballarat commuters,” said Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight.
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Source: Premier of Victoria and The Courier