Tara Murray
Commuters would have noticed a number of changes on the Sunbury rail line last week.
Workers on the Sunbury line upgrade made the most of the school holidays and good weather to conduct an around-the-clock six-day construction blitz.
Crews made major progress on platform improvements, power upgrades and overhead wiring installation.
Among the upgrades was the installation of 20 kilometres of overhead wiring between Albion and Watergardens stations, the installation of trackside signalling equipment and platform improvements at Albion, Watergardens and Sunbury stations.
Crews also continued the construction and fit out of a new substation at Calder Park, as well as new signalling equipment at Watergardens, Calder Park and Sunbury stations, works on a panel and post wall in Sunbury near Station Street, and continued electrical work for traction power upgrades at Tottenham, Keilor Plains, Holden Road, Diggers Rest and Jacksons Hill.
The Sunbury line upgrade will add more sections track, extend platforms and improve train stabling to allow new generation trains to run on the line.
The project is due for completion in 2023.
The project also includes the Gap Road level crossing removal in Sunbury, which should be finished next year.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said every bit of progress on the Sunbury line upgrade will bring local communities closer to better public transport.
“There will be huge benefits for communities along the line once the Metro Tunnel Project is complete, including a direct trip to five new stations at key city locations like Parkville and St Kilda Road, and a future link to Melbourne Airport Rail,” she said.
