By Tate Papworth
A nine-day construction blitz on the Ballarat rail line is currently under way.
Ballarat line users are being asked to plan ahead with trains to replaced by buses during the work.
More than 300 crew members are taking part in the work, which includes track duplication, major station upgrades and putting the final touches on new train stabling at Maddingley.
Regional rail revival director Mark Havryluk said coaches would replace trains until Sunday, December 16.
He said that while trains were not running, crews would shift sections of the existing track to allow for additional track to be laid between Caroline Springs station and Melton as part of an 18-kilometre duplication.
“Preparation work will also begin for new tracks to be laid between Bacchus Marsh station and the Maddingley stabling, and we’ll continue construction on the Millbrook and Ballan passing loops,” he said.
“Passengers can look forward to improved stations, extra services and better reliability once the project is complete in late 2019.”
Passengers are being asked to allow 45 minutes extra travel time while work is under way.
Passengers can pick up a temporary timetable from staffed V/Line stations or download one at vline.com.au.
