Buses will replace trains in the new year to allow for crucial work in Victoria as part of the Regional Rail Link project
By Amie Hickland | October 14, 2013
Buses will replace train lines in Victoria after Christmas, as work continues as part of the Regional Rail Link project.
The construction campaign is planned for December 28 to January 19 which will see bus services replacing trains running on the Ballarat, Bendigo and Sunbury lines.
A Public Transport Victoria spokesperson says rail occupations minimise disruption to the travelling public as they allow significant amounts of work to be carried out in a short time.
“Occupations also allow work to be carried out more safely, both for construction workers and train passengers and are carefully planned to minimise disruption to the public,” they say.
The late December to January period is the lowest patronage period on the rail system, which is why works are being done then.
“As usual, train replacement bus services will ensure passengers get to their destinations while we work to build a better train network.”
The occupation will allow critical components of the Regional Rail Link project to take shape.
This includes Footscray and Sunshine Station, the Anderson Road level crossing on the Ballarat line, and reconfiguration of the tracks leading into Southern Cross Station.
The majority of construction work on the $4.8 billion Regional Rail Link project is due to be complete by late 2014.