Over the next few weeks works will be undertaken to complete signalling works between Drouin and Traralgon as part of the Gippsland Rail Line upgrade, which will enable more frequent and reliable services.

The project is delivering a new train control system, updating the line’s ageing infrastructure to ensure trains can safely run more often. Coaches will replacing trains for different sections of the Gippsland Line until the end of the month of March.

This work is part of the Victorian and Australian governments’ investment in the Gippsland Line Upgrade, which has upgraded stations, delivered a new bridge over the Avon River in Stratford and enabled modern VLocity trains to travel to Bairnsdale.

SEATS has been seeking that the Victorian Government undertake the necessary works to deliver the outcomes of Victoria’s Regional Network Development Plan, specifically the following rail infrastructure and policy upgrades to allow:

• Passenger rail services between Traralgon and Melbourne of 20 min in peak times and 40 min off peak with additional trains beyond Traralgon to Bairnsdale
• Freight services to utilise the Gippsland rail line efficiently between Bairnsdale and Melbourne by ensuring sufficient passing loops exist to provide schedules/pathways

SEATS has also been seeking to ensure that provision for rail to/from Gippsland is made in the development of an inland export centres for Port of Melbourne (at Lyndhurst)