Works to improve north east train travel times

FROM THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
DATE: Thursday, May 17, 2007

Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky announced today new maintenance works to begin next month to improve travel times on train services to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga.

Ms Kosky said the $4 million maintenance works would target many of the speed restrictions that have delayed services on the popular train line.

“The Bracks Government is committed to revitalising Victoria’s rail network and we are investing millions of dollars to deliver maintenance works that will improve rail travel for regional Victorians,” Ms Kosky said.

“With the buy back of the regional rail network now complete, over the coming years there will be further improvements for both freight and passenger services throughout Victoria.

“Just like a country road, our regional railway lines need regular maintenance to make sure they can be used safely at the speeds they were designed for.

“Passengers have experienced slower train services on some sections of the north-eastern line because the track condition has required the speed to be reduced from 130 kph to as low as 50 kph in some parts.

“That’s a major reason the Bracks Government took back control of the regional rail network last month and gave V/Line the ability to directly target and improve infrastructure problems such as this.”

The works would include:
· Major repairs to the Dry Creek Bridge near Kilmore East, including the complete removal of track and ballast to renew the bridge deck and make structural improvements;
· Sleeper maintenance (partial removal and replacement) on the out-bound track between Donnybrook and Seymour; and
· Concrete resleepering through Tallarook Station.

Ms Kosky said while there would be some disruption for passengers while the maintenance works were underway, the benefits would be significant.

“Once the works are complete, the speed restrictions currently in place on that section of the track can be lifted, resulting in improved travel times,” Ms Kosky said

“At the last election, we promised to invest in the services that matter to all Victorian families and improvements to the train services to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga shows we are delivering on that commitment.
“Speed restrictions have been an issue on the North East corridor, particularly over summer when a number of heat speed restrictions had to be enforced.

“Passengers have been extremely patient so I’m delighted that these works will help address some of these issues and start to improve train punctuality.”

The works will require the closure of the line between Kilmore East and Seymour from Saturday 2 June to Sunday 10 June, 2007.

A three-day closure of the line will also be required from Friday 25 May to Sunday 27 May to allow for signalling commissioning of the Craigieburn electrification project.

A temporary timetable will be available to customers from Monday 21 May.

Ms Kosky said with the Craigieburn electrification project proceeding well and the upcoming Wodonga Rail Bypass project, the future of rail in the North East was positive.

“When metropolitan trains start operating to Craigieburn, we expect more seats to be available for people travelling to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury / Wodonga,” she said.

“With this project, we are making a major step in delivering on the commitment we made to Victorians in the $10.5 billion Meeting Our Transport Challenges to meet future challenges in public transport.”

Passengers wanting more information about the affected services can get a copy of the temporary timetable from Monday 21 May online at vline.com.au, by calling V/Line on 136 196 or visiting any staffed station.