‘Home stretch’: Significant winter rail works announced as $934m project nears the finish line

Things are going to get worse before they get better for Geelong commuters as multiple winter works are set to cause significant disruption.

Major works commencing next month will significantly impact Geelong commuters. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling.

Things are going to get worse before they get better for Geelong commuters as multiple winter works are set to cause significant disruption.

Coaches will replace trains between Geelong station and Warrnambool for more than two months commencing June 15.

This will allow the time required to finish upgrades to Marshall and South Geelong stations, including more than 8km of track duplication and the removal of the two level crossings.

As part of those works, the Fyans St roundabout will be closed for a similar period starting June 12.

The 2000-tonne rail bridge will be moved into place and the intersection under the rail bridge realigned during this period.

Currently, the railway cuts through a five-way roundabout at the intersection of Carr St, Fyans St, Martin St and Wood St at two points.

The Surf Coast Hwy will also be closed at the Grovedale rail crossing in late July to remove the level crossing and complete road resurfacing works.

There will be additional level crossing closures between South Geelong and Grovedale to allow track duplication to take pace.

Closures are planned for Yarra St, Swanston St, Barwon Tce, Reserve Rd and Marshalltown Rd later in winter.

The federal government has committed close to $785m to the $934m project, with the state government kicking in the remaining $149m.

“We are on the home stretch for our massive investment in critical upgrades to rail infrastructure in Geelong and Warrnambool, with this blitz to deliver huge benefits for passengers in Victoria’s south-west,” federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

Originally published as ‘Home stretch’: Significant winter rail works announced as $934m project nears the finish line