Staff writers
The final designs for the Morwell and Traralgon train station upgrades have been unveiled as part of the Gippsland line upgrades which includes works being done at Bunyip and Longwarry stations.
The designs include a new accessible pedestrian overpass at Traralgon Station, as well as an upgraded, more accessible underpass at Morwell Station.
Bunyip and Longwarry station designs feature additional platforms, improved car parking and better integration with their respective town centres.
Further works include track duplication at Bunyip and Longwarry, a crossing loop extension at Morwell and second platforms at four stations for trains to pass each other.
Drainage improvements between the new and existing tracks at Bunyip and Longwarry stations will also get underway, along with trenching works to make way for level crossing upgrades.
Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the upgrades would make it easier and more accessible for Gippsland passengers to use public transport
“A new accessible overpass at Traralgon Station and a more accessible underpass in Morwell will make a really positive difference as well as improved amenity and accessibility at Bunyip and Longwarry stations.”
The upgrades mean that coaches will replace trains between Pakenham and Traralgon from July 27 until August 8 while the level crossing removal works are underway.
Coaches will replace trains on the Gippsland line for the entire journey from June 25 to July 19, while construction of the foundations for a rail bridge in Kilmany take place.
This work is part of stage three of the $253 million Princes Highway East Upgrade which includes a new rail bridge over the highway, adding 43km of new lanes between Traralgon and Sale.
These rail upgrades are scheduled to be finished by the end of the year and are being funded by both the state and federal governments.
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the Gippsland line upgrade will enable more services to make it quicker and easier for passengers to travel.
“We know how important access to reliable and efficient means of transport is to Victorians. That’s why the Australian Government is
investing $447.7 million into this upgrade, creating better transport links in the region for locals and visitors,” Ms King said.
