Train passengers to be hit by delays, replacement buses during summer construction blitz

Hundreds of buses will replace trains across Victoria this summer as major construction adds as much as 75 minutes to travel times. Here’s how to plan ahead.

Commuters will be forced on to hundreds of replacement buses this summer as a construction blitz on the train network adds up to 75 minutes to travel times.

Passengers on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will be among the hardest hit as it is upgraded ahead of the roll of new high-capacity trains mid next year.

Buses will also replace trains on sections of the Frankston line, as well as the Gippsland and Bendigo regional routes.

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Overnight and weekend work will be carried out on the Belgrave, Lilydale, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Sandringham, Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown train lines.

Hundreds of buses will replace train services over summer. Picture: AAP/Tracey Nearmy

Transport officials on Tuesday warned train passengers to plan ahead over summer, and allow an extra 45 and 75 minutes for trips to and from the city.

It comes after drivers were last week warned that a record road maintenance program across Melbourne’s suburbs could also cause havoc.

But Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the blitz was timed to make the most of the quieter summer period.

She said while the disruptions may frustrate some commuters, the legacy of failing to roll out big infrastructure projects was “not worth contemplating”.

“This bit of disruption over this period of time will result in the big transport infrastructure projects our city and state needs,” she said.

Work will also be carried out on the Metro Tunnel’s eastern entrance at South Yarra. Picture: Josie Hayden

More than 300 replacement buses will shuttle passengers across the state in the first fortnight of January.

Public Transport Victoria has also added more express buses from the outer suburbs than during previous works.

Asked whether some travel would be discounted or free, PTV boss Jeroen Weimar said they were “exploring a number of different ways to give our passengers support”.

“We’ve chosen January 2-30 as one of the quietest periods in the transport calendar with many people taking a well-deserved break over the new year period,” he said.

“We will have lots of replacement options available to you but please allow a bit of extra time and plan ahead.”

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WHAT’S HAPPENING WHERE

CRANBOURNE/PAKENHAM LINES

Buses replacing trains between Flinders St and Westall from January 2-13.

FRANKSTON LINE

Buses replacing trains between Flinders St and Moorabbin from January 2-13.

GIPPSLAND LINE

Buses replacing trains along the entire Gippsland line from January 2-13.

Works will upgrade the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines for the rollout of Melbourne’s new high-capacity trains. Picture: Supplied

BENDIGO, SWAN HILL AND ECHUCA TRAINS

“Essential works” between Sunbury and Swan Hill will see buses replacing trains between January 12-27.

TRAMS

Maintenance work between Warrigal Rd and Camberwell Rd from January 3-12 January, with buses replacing trams for part of the journey.

YAN YEAN ROAD

Intersection at Yan Yean, Diamond Creek and Aqueduct roads in Plenty closed between January 2-24 as part of the $131 million duplication of Yan Yean Rd.

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