Trains will be able to pass one another on the Altona loop when the state government duplicates 800 metres of track as part of the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing removal project.
The line will be duplicated from where the Werribee line meets the Altona loop to Kororoit Creek.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said currently trains couldn’t pass each other on the Altona loop meaning that if a city-bound train was delayed, oncoming trains were forced to wait on the Werribee line, causing delays on both lines in both directions.
She said building a second track would provide another place for trains to pass each other, meaning trains running on time did not have to wait for trains that were running late.
“We’re getting rid of the bottlenecks that choke our roads and our rail network,” Ms Allan said.
The level crossing’s removal will involve the construction of a rail bridge over Kororoit Creek Road to carry the existing and new duplicated track and will shut down the line for up to 90 days.
The government said further duplication would be investigated while works are carried out.
The government said the decision to partially duplicate the loop was the result of lobbying by advocates such as the Altona Loop Group.
Group spokeswoman Jennifer Williams said she looked forward to improved services in the future as a result of the partial duplication.
“Building a passing loop to reduce the amount of single track will hopefully lead to less bypassing, although we do need to clarify the impact with the Level Crossing Removal Authority,” she said.
“At this stage the extent of works and time frame is unknown, however, we are cautiously optimistic.
“Clarification will also be sought about full duplication because the Public Transport Victoria network development plan only has duplicated tracks running to Seaholme and single track through to Westona.
“The entire project needs to be delivered within a reasonable time as the community cannot wait another 20 years.
“Local people want reliable public transport instead of having to drive and a level of service equivalent to other Melbourne suburbs so close to the CBD.”
Hobsons Bay deputy mayor Sandra Wilson said it made sense to complete duplication works to improve services on the Altona loop at the same time as removing the level crossing.
“I look forward to hearing more of the detail of the proposed duplication works to understand the scope, time frames, impacts and the future service improvements that will result from it,” she said.
“There is strength when we all work together and I think that we have achieved a great outcome for our community.”
Construction is expected to be under way by early 2017 and completed by the end of 2018.
Community information sessions on the project will be held from 6.30pm-8.30pm on June 9 and 16 at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona.
