Ballarat Line Upgrade

The Australian and Victorian governments are upgrading the Ballarat line to deliver more trains and improved reliabiliy for Melbourne’s outer western suburbs Melton Bacchus Marsh Ballan and Ballarat.
The Ballarat Line Upgrade includes:

– Duplication of 18 kilometres of track between Deer Park West and Melton
– Upgrading Rockbank station and extending platforms constructing a new pedestrian link between platforms and building a new car park
– Additional platforms at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations with new pedestrian links between platforms
– New stabling facilities at Maddingley and the removal of stabling facilities at Bacchus Marsh
– A five kilometre passing loop at Ballan
– A four kilometre passing loop at Millbrook making it possible to close the existing Bungaree loop and remove five level crossings
– A duplication of three kilometres of track east of Warrenheip Junction

Project benefits:

– The Ballarat Line Upgrade paves the way for future electrification of the line to Melton
– Passing loops will provide more ways for trains to pass each other which will help services recover from unexpected delays more quickly boosting reliability
– The removal of level crossings improves safety for motorists and the local community
– The upgrade will enable extra services in the morning and afternoon peak and a train every 40 minutes in the off-peak.