By Mitchell Clarke
The testing of new trains, level crossing removals, Metro Tunnel work and routine maintenance will see the Pakenham, Cranbourne and Gippsland lines heavily disrupted across November.
The Department of Transport released a statement detailing the “huge amount of work” which is expected to be carried out in coordination to maximise progress during train line closures at various times from Sunday 10 November, most of which will take place at nights or on weekends.
The next phase of testing on Victoria’s bigger trains is about to get underway with safety and performance tests to be carried out overnight on the section of track between Dandenong and Pakenham, meaning buses will replace trains on the Pakenham line between these stations on multiple nights from 8.30pm on Sunday 10 November.
This will also affect the Gippsland line with coaches replacing services between Southern Cross, Traralgon and Bairnsdale during the works.
Further testing will continue at various locations on the network until all 65 new trains are delivered.
Power and signalling upgrades for the Metro Tunnel and routine maintenance will see some changes to evening and weekend services.
Between Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November and then from 8.30pm Friday 22 and Sunday 24 November, buses will replace trains on sections of the Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston and Sandringham lines.
For all details and the most up to date information about changes to public transport, visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au.
