Bunyip and Longwarry residents can now view the final designs for train station upgrades along the Gippsland Line.
The designs have been informed by community feedback and come as part of the Federal and Victorian Governments’ Gippsland Line Upgrade to improve safety, accessibility and enable more passenger rail services.
Bunyip and Longwarry station designs feature additional platforms, improved car parking and better integration with their respective town centres.
Further works include track duplication at Bunyip and Longwarry, as well as drainage improvements between the new and existing tracks at Bunyip and Longwarry stations and trenching works to make way for level crossing upgrades that will be delivered as part of the project.
Victorian Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the upgrades will make it easier and more accessible for Gippsland passengers to use public transport.
“…a new accessible overpass at Traralgon Station and a more accessible underpass in Morwell will make a really positive difference – as well as improved amenity and accessibility at Bunyip and Longwarry stations.”
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said more frequent and reliable services will run on the line.
“It’s great to see works progressing on the Gippsland Line Upgrade and these designs released for the station upgrades at Bunyip, Longwarry, Morwell and Traralgon – which will provide a huge benefit to passengers once complete,” Ms Allan said.
“This upgrade will enable more frequent and reliable services to run on the line, with improved safety and accessibility.”
Coaches will replace trains between Pakenham and Traralgon from Wednesday 27 July until Monday 8 August while the level crossing removal works are underway.
Coaches will replace trains on the Gippsland Line for the entire journey from Saturday 25 June to Tuesday 19 July while crews construct the foundations for a new rail bridge in Kilmany as part of Stage 3 of the Princes Highway East Upgrade. These works are part of the $253 million Princes Highway East Upgrade (Stage 3) and will see a new rail bridge span over the highway, providing a significant improvement to safety and reliability for freight, tourists and commuters while minimising impacts on the rail network.
The Princes Highway East Upgrade will add 43km of new lanes to the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale.
This is the third and final stage of the project, which will add an extra 12km of consistent two lane highway.
Major construction on the Gippsland Line Upgrade is targeted for completion in late 2022.
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the upgrade will enable more services to make it quicker and easier for passengers to travel.
“We know how important access to reliable and efficient means of transport is to Victorians,” Ms King said.
“That’s why the Australian Government is investing $447.7 million into this upgrade, creating better transport links in the region for locals and visitors.”
The upgrade is being delivered as part of the Regional Rail Revival program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
The program is upgrading every regional passenger rail line in Victoria and creating 3,000 jobs.
