Services on Geelong and Warrnambool lines resume as building blitz completed

The Geelong and Warrnambool lines will be back up and running on Monday after a 72-day construction “blitz”.

Geelong’s trains will return to action on Monday.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles were at South Geelong Station on Sunday to announce the Geelong and Warrnambool lines would be back up and running starting Monday, following, a 72-day construction “blitz”.

Eight kilometres of track were duplicated during the works, with Marshall and South Geelong stations receiving an upgrade, and level crossings removed at Fyans St and the Surf Coast Highway.

The removal of the crossings is set to reduce congestion for thousands of drivers each day.

The duplication works make it easier for trains to pass each other, improving reliability and reducing unexpected delays.

The works have seen a major transformation of South Geelong station. Picture: Alan Barber

Additional services between Marshal and Waurn Ponds station are now possible in the future.

Crews will continue to work on minor works at stations, including the entry to the Yarra St carpark and lifts at South Geelong, with work on landscaping and walking and cycling paths to continue this spring.

Ms Allan said the state government’s “massive investment in rail upgrades in Geelong and Warrnambool is delivering huge benefits for local motorists and train passengers”.

“This upgrade does provide the capacity to run more services ... which (will be) subject to a future timetabling decision,” Ms Allan said.

“It’s another great example of what can be delivered in partnership when you have a government in Canberra who invests in infrastructure here in Victoria and can get on and deliver much needed infrastructure upgrades.

She thanked construction teams for “working around the clock” during a recent 72-day construction blitz to get the final stage of the build completed.

As trains blasted their horns and whooshed along the tracks to usher in the completed upgrade, Mr Marles said it was “remarkable” to finally see the finished product.

“We’ve been watching over the last few weeks the very rapid emergence of these works to come to this day with a really remarkable result,” he said.

“For those of us who have been in and around South Geelong station throughout our lives, to see it now with two platforms is genuinely remarkable.”

The total cost of the project is $933.6m, with the federal government contributing $784.1m of that.

Deputy Prime Minister and member for Corio Richard Marles said the project was “delivering the improvements needed to support the growth of Geelong, now and into the future”

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Originally published as Services on Geelong and Warrnambool lines resume as building blitz completed