Construction teams will work around the clock to upgrade metropolitan lines shared by Gippsland trains between 6 and 23 April, as part of the state-wide Autumn transport construction blitz, with free travel to be offered during the entire period.
A mix of express and semi express buses will replace all Gippsland trains for the duration of the blitz which will see power, signalling and station upgrades take place along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines ahead of new High Capacity Metro Trains entering service later this year.
The upgrades will improve train reliability, including for Gippsland passengers as they travel along these lines.
Gippsland line passengers are encouraged to allow up to 90 minutes extra travel time when travelling to Melbourne during this time.
These works have been timed to coincide with the Easter holiday period to lessen the impact on passengers, however people are still strongly encouraged to plan ahead.
Passengers travelling between Traralgon and Melbourne will not need to touch on or off with their Myki as they board replacement services during April.
“Once works to prepare for the introduction of bigger, better trains are complete, Gippsland passengers will receive more reliable services on the sections of line shared with the metropolitan trains,” member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.
A six-month calendar is now also online, showing proposed work dates where buses will replace trains, giving Gippsland line passengers more certainty when planning their journey.
The calendar and detailed travel information around the upcoming construction blitz is available at ptv.vic.gov.au.
