Commuters are being urged to plan ahead if they need to catch a train between the New Year period and Australia Day long weekend, as new platforms at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Wendouree are put into service.

Commissioning, critical safety testing and driver training will take place over five weeks between Monday December 28 and Saturday January 30.

Coaches replace trains on parts of the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines over the five weeks, with crews installing 500m of track duplication between Bacchus Marsh Station and Maddingley, as well as duplications over two level crossings in Ballan.

Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the completion of works had created around 400 jobs, and would pave the way for significantly more train services along Victoria’s second busiest train line.

“We’re thrilled passengers will soon see the full benefits of the Ballarat Line Upgrade, but first we must complete this crucial final step on the project, as we integrate new track, a new signalling system and other infrastructure onto the existing rail line,” Ms Allan said.

“Our rail experts have continued complex and extensive signalling design and planning work throughout the year in preparation for the commissioning, and passengers will soon enjoy the benefits of this hard work.”

It is understood a modified timetable will be put in place on January 31.

The new platforms and track modifications will also pave the way for extra peak-hour trains and services every 40-minutes off-peak.

New train passing loops at Ballan and Millbrook will help services recover faster from unexpected delays and improve reliability by providing more options for trains to pass each other on the line.

Buninyong State Labor MP Michaela Settle (pictured) welcomed the major construction on the Ballarat Line that was completed at the end of last year, which also included a new station at Cobblebank, and a rebuilt Rockbank Station.

“Passengers are already enjoying a new station, improved station facilities and two extra peak weekday services between Melton and Southern Cross Station, and we’re excited about the rest of the project benefits,” she said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project had been three years in the making.

“It’s taken nearly 1.6 million hours of work by dedicated crews, and we’re now on the home stretch to delivering huge benefits for passengers.”

Passengers can find out if they’re affected by the disruption at bigbuild.vic.gov.au and find more information about the project at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/ballarat

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Gabrielle Hodson
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