Group calls for Upfield line duplication during Campbellfield level crossing removal

A GROUP is campaigning to have the line between Gowrie and Upfield stations duplicated as part of the Camp Rd crossing removal.

The removal of the Camp Rd level crossing in Campbellfield will start later this year. Picture: Tony Gough

A LOCAL transport advocacy group is campaigning to have the train line between Gowrie and Upfield stations duplicated as part of the Camp Rd, Campbellfield level crossing removal.

Upgrade Upfield Corridor Committee spokesman Denis Watson said both stations would be closed during the level crossing removal, providing a chance to duplicate the section of track.

CROSSING REMOVAL JOBS BOOST

HUGE TRENCH UNDER CAMP RD

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE IDEA? Comment below

He said the committee would lobby the Hume and Moreland councils, Level Crossing Removal Authority and local politicians to include the duplication works when the Camp Rd project started later this year.

“The lack of a duplicated track means that each train service must travel from Gowrie to Upfield and return to Gowrie before the next service can leave Gowrie for Upfield,” Mr Watson said.

Mr Watson said this restricted the frequency of services on the line, which has an 18-minute minimum.

“It also limits the ability to restore services to the scheduled timetable when trains are delayed for whatever reason, which is a frequent occurrence, thus contributing to the unreliability of services on the line,” he said.

Mr Watson said the closure of the stations provided “a unique opportunity to duplicate the line without causing additional inconvenience to passengers”.