The state government has committed $518 million to duplicate the Ballarat train line from Deer Park to Melton.
A second rail track between Deer Park West and Melton, additional train station platforms, pedestrian links, car parking and passing loops will be built, allowing for additional peak services to run from Ballarat.
But there was no commitment to electrifying the line in this year’s budget, instead a Metro Tunnel business case, looking at the next major upgrades to the regional rail network including the electrification of the Melton railway line, is expected to start soon.
Three-year spend
The state government expects to spend about $31 million in the next financial year, $196.4 million in 2017-18, $268.7 in 2018-19, and more than $20 million in the 2019-20 financial year.
The duplication and electrification of the Ballarat railway line from Melton to Deer Park was identified as a priority project by Melton council for the national Fund Our Future campaign.
Last month, council advocacy projects coordinator Tennille Bradley told Star Weekly duplicating the line would offer a number of benefits, including reducing traffic congestion.
“Over the last five years, patronage on this service has increased by 18.5 per cent,” Ms Bradley said.
“Council has undertaken significant work over the past three years with feasibility studies and other analysis in partnership with the Australian Government, Public Transport Victoria and the Metropolitan Planning Authority in regards to the Ballarat Rail Line.
“There are a number of benefits for duplicating the rail line for Melton and its surrounding communities including provision of better access to education, employment, training and leisure destinations.
“Right now, most Melton residents travel by car, which is causing congestion on major arterials and local roads. The duplication of the rail line will reduce traffic volumes and associated road accidents, noise and disruption.
“The duplication will also reduce the number of passengers driving to Sunbury to access metropolitan services and release capacity via Regional Rail Link tracks for additional services from regional centres.”
In a statement, state Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said:“Funding for regional public transport has been neglected for too long. We’re not making that mistake – we’re investing in the upgrades and services our network needs. We’re getting it done.”
