- Published:
- Thursday 26 October 2017
Construction is now underway on the Andrews Labor Government’s massive upgrade of the Ballarat line, to deliver more frequent and reliable services for thousands of passengers every day.
Construction work has started at Hopkins Road in Rockbank, marking a major milestone for the $518 million Ballarat Line Upgrade.
Work at Hopkins Road will include building site offices, toilets, storage facilities and access tracks so that work to duplicate 18 kilometres of track between Deer Park West and Melton can begin sooner.
The site will also oversee the removal and relocation of endangered spiny rice flowers and vulnerable large-fruit groundsels – both native species – to a nearby location in coming weeks, to protect the plants during works.
Along with Hopkins Road construction, site investigations between Deer Park West and Melton are identifying essential utility services that may need to be protected along the Ballarat corridor during major works in the coming months.
The Minister for Planning Richard Wynne approved all planning requirements for the Ballarat Line Upgrade in September, paving the way for construction to begin.
The massive project will enable much needed extra services in the morning and afternoon peak, and a train every 40 minutes off peak for the growing communities between Ballarat and Melbourne.
It will also deliver new station platforms, car parking, train storage facilities, and passing loops along the busy Ballarat line.
The project will create up to 400 jobs during construction – with apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets making up at least 10 per cent of the total work.
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We are getting on with the Ballarat Line Upgrade, which will deliver more frequent and reliable train services to people in Melbourne’s booming outer western suburbs, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Ballarat.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“These works mark an important milestone for this project, ensuring we are on-track to deliver the Ballarat Line Upgrade by late 2019.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“This project is great for workers and our local economy, and will mean Ballarat commuters get more frequent and reliable services to meet the increased demand.”