Disruptions, delays likely during regional rail upgrade ‘blitz’

A massive maintenance “blitz” over summer will cause rail and road delays and disruptions, with Geelong commuters firmly in the hot seat.

A massive maintenance “blitz” over the summer will cause delays and disruptions for Geelong commuters.

Routine maintenance combined with significant upgrades mean the Geelong region will be among the most affected by regional rail works across the state.

The news comes a week after it was revealed V/Line workers may vote on whether to take industrial action by the end of the month.

Upgrades to the Warrnambool line mean VLocity trains will be able to travel the length of the line. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

The Surf Coast Highway will be closed between the level crossing, south of Grovedale, and Baanip Boulevard from 9.30pm to 6am on weeknights from November 27 until December 15.

During the closures, handrails, balustrade and artwork by local Wadawarrung artist Billy-Jay O’Toole set for the highway will be installed.

In October, a 1700 tonne rail bridge was installed across the highway replacing the level crossing, using two 450-tonne cranes.

The Surf Coast Highway will be impacted again in February, when work begins to return the highway to its original alignment.

Railway upgrade works on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines, 2023. Picture supplied.

The Geelong Advertiser understands the Surf Coast Highway, between Armstrong Creek and Torquay, carries around 26,000 vehicles a day over the summer period.

Utility relocations will continue at South Geelong and Marshall stations, as will level crossing removals at Surf Coast Highway and Fyans St.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson thanked commuters for their patience, while Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said the works would make “services more comfortable and reliable long-term”.

Further along the line, coaches will replace trains between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool across two weekends, December 9-10 and 16-17.

New train detection technology and safety improvements will be carried out along the line, with works including trenching, drainage and the installation of boom mast foundations.

At the end of the upgrades, VLocity trains will be able to run all the way to Warrnambool for the first time.

The Geelong line will also be impacted by annual maintenance and infrastructure upgrades between February 3 and 15.

Coaches will replace trains from Wyndham Vale to Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool during this time.

Across the state, $4.7 million in works on the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines will begin in late February and early March.

Originally published as Disruptions, delays likely during regional rail upgrade ‘blitz’