Train passengers are encouraged to plan ahead this summer, as major works get underway on the Shepparton Line Upgrade.
Coaches will replace Shepparton trains for the entire journey between Melbourne and Shepparton from Wednesday 1 December until Sunday 12 December to allow works on the Nagambie and Murchison East platforms to begin, as well as construction on a new stabling facility north of Shepparton Station.
Trains will still run between Southern Cross and Seymour during this time.
The Murchison-Violet Town Road will close at the level crossing from Wednesday 1 December to Friday 10 December to enable construction of new track over Murchison-Violet Town Road, and to widen the level crossing to cater for the additional line. Crews will also install boom gates, widen the turning lane and rebuild the road.
The Victorian Government has invested $436 million for the , with the works being delivered by Rail Projects Victoria in stages to minimise disruption to services. Stage 1 of the upgrade is already complete, having delivered 10 extra weekly services along the line.
The Australian and Victorian governments have funded $400 million for Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, which will allow trains to travel up to 130km/h and enable nine return services to and from Melbourne every weekday.
Stage 2 of the upgrade is targeted for completion late next year, while Stage 3 is scheduled for completion in 2023.