Summer Transport Construction Blitz Underway

The next phase of the Andrews Labor Government’s unprecedented pipeline of major transport projects continues with a summer construction blitz starting today to prepare for the Metro Tunnel and the new fleet of High Capacity Metro Trains.

The continued construction work on the Metro Tunnel has been coordinated to coincide with the biggest ever upgrade of power, signalling and communications on Melbourne’s train network in preparation for our new fleet of bigger trains which will arrive later this year.

These works will create more capacity along Melbourne’s busiest train line and improve reliability for passengers, particularly on the shared section with V/Line trains to and from Gippsland.

Buses are currently replacing trains until Sunday 13 January on the Cranbourne/Pakenham lines between Flinders Street and Westall and on the Frankston line between Flinders Street and Moorabbin. Coaches are replacing all Gippsland line trains for the entire journey, operating as express and semi-express services, and are free in recognition of the continued disruption for Gippsland passengers.

From today until Sunday 6 January buses will replace trains on the Sandringham line between Flinders Street and Elsternwick. There will be further overnight and weekend works through January on the Belgrave/Lilydale, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown lines.

Later this month coaches will replace trains for all or part of the journey from 12-27 January on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines as V/Line carries out essential maintenance works between Sunbury and Swan Hill.

Yarra Trams will conduct maintenance works on Route 75 with buses replacing trams between Warrigal Road and Camberwell Road from tomorrow until Saturday 12 January.

In addition to the works on the public transport network, the Labor Government’s $131 million duplication of Yan Yean Road continues, with the intersection of Yan Yean, Diamond Creek and Aqueduct Roads in Plenty closed from today until Thursday 24 January.

To find out more about the major transport projects visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au. Passengers are asked to plan ahead by visiting ptv.vic.gov.au or vicroads.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Tim Pallas

“While most Victorians take a well-earned break, we’re getting on with the transport upgrades Victoria needs, and I want to thank everyone that is working through the holiday period to get these works done .”

“This is part of the biggest infrastructure program our state has ever seen. We’re not just building the rail and road projects that will get people where they need to go sooner, we’re creating thousands of jobs.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne  

“I want to thank the everyone for their patience as we get these works done, which will deliver more reliable services and pave the way for the Metro Tunnel.”

“Victorians should plan ahead, allow some extra time and take care on the roads.

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