Victoria Invests $50 Million For Passenger And Freight Rail Network
More than 250,000 sleepers have been replaced across the Victorian passenger and freight rail network as part of a multi-million dollar maintenance program to boost train reliability.
Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula said V/Line would carry out more than $50 million worth of maintenance works including sleeper replacement, signal upgrades and track repairs as the rail operator continued to maintain record patronage.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure our regional rail network can deliver more services, run more trains and carry more passengers into the future,” Mr Pakula said.
“Passenger railway lines are booming in regional Victoria, so it’s important we invest strongly in their future to ensure this rail renaissance continues.
“Likewise, with the easing of drought conditions we have an excellent opportunity to grow freight transport by rail.”
Mr Pakula said the Brumby Labor Government had built upon the massive Regional Fast Rail upgrades of 2005-06 with ongoing investment into rail infrastructure across the state in recent years.
“In 2008-09 financial year, V/Line spent more than $38 million on major maintenance projects in addition to more than $20 million in routine maintenance,’’ he said.
“This financial year, $55 million has already seen a range of maintenance and rail replacement projects completed, including the renewal of more than 40 level crossings, strengthening of 35 bridges, and maintenance and replacement of signalling systems.”
Since January 2009, V/Line has replaced more than 200,000 timber sleepers (with new timber) on freight lines across the state, including:
- 50,000 sleepers between Ouyen and Murrayville;
- 46,000 sleepers between Quambatook and Managatang;
- 25,000 sleepers between Charlton and Sea Lake;
- 24,000 sleepers between Warracknabeal and Hopetoun;
- 20,000 sleepers between Swan Hill and Piangil;
- 15,000 sleepers between Murtoa and Warracknabeal;
- 14,000 sleepers between Korong Vale and Quambatook; and
- 10,000 sleepers between Mildura and Yelta.
Mr Pakula also today announced the replacement of 80,000 timber sleepers with concrete sleepers between Pakenham and Traralgon and V/Line’s maintenance program have also included the repair and replacement of signals near Ballarat, Shepparton and Tocumwal and level crossing renewals between Swan Hill and Piangil.
“In addition to V/Line’s maintenance and upgrade program, separate projects have seen $73 million invested into the Mildura freight line, and $612 million to the North East Rail Revitalization Project on the Albury / Wodonga line,” he said.
Topics: 2010, Albury Wodonga line, Australia, Ballarat, Brumby Labor Government, commuters, economic development, economic growth, Economy, freight rail network, Governance, government, high speed rail, investment, maintenance, Martin Pakula, Mildura freight line, moniter, monitor, news, North East Rail Revitalization, Pakenham, passenger rail, passengers, Piangil, railroad, Regional Fast Rail upgrades, regional rail network, Shepparton, signal upgrades, sleepers, society, Swan Hill, Tocumwal, track repairs, trains, transportation, Traralgon, upgrade program, V Line, Victoria
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