Near $50 million of upgrade work to the Swan Hill V/Line train line, which closed the entire line, is on track for completion by the end of the month.
The works, which will continue until the end of October, include the installation of thousands of new sleepers, tonnes of ballast and level crossing renewals along a 380km section of track on the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines.
Access to the Pental Island Road Bridge was restricted yesterday as upgrade works were carried out on the crossing, forcing residents on the island to detour via Fish Point Road at Lake Boga.
Other improvements include replacing the track between Bendigo and Swan Hill, upgrades to signalling, removing mud holes and improving drainage.
Coaches have replaced trains for the entire journey, with 60 minute delays until normal service resumes on October 31.
“It’s wonderful to see the huge amount of work being carried out here at Taradale, where construction crews are working round the clock replacing sleepers and ballast, and installing a new steel deck,” Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.
“I know the works are disruptive for passengers but they need to be done to keep services safe and reliable.”
