New platforms at Sunshine station will be used from next month as work on the Regional Rail Link ramps up.
A construction blitz that started on Saturday and will run until July 15 will see signalling and commissioning work complete the section between North Melbourne and Southern Cross.
The Bendigo and Ballarat lines will be closed during construction.
“After the closures, Ballarat and Bendigo trains will progressively begin using the regional platforms at Sunshine and Footscray, which have been transformed into major transport hubs by the Regional Rail Link project,” Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said.
“These works will also enable Ballarat and Bendigo trains to progressively use the new V/Line-only tracks between Sunshine and the city, accessing Southern Cross platforms one to eight via the North Melbourne flyover.
“This is the last major work before the full operation of the line.”
The first V/Line rail service was tested last week, with Mr Mulder and Premier Denis Napthine trying out the new tracks.
The new line will separate V/Line express trains from metropolitan services between Sunshine and Southern Cross stations.
Sunshine station has been completely rebuilt to provide a major transport hub, with dedicated regional and metropolitan platforms.
Sunshine also has a new bus interchange and two level crossings on Anderson Road have been removed, while noise barriers are being built around Deer Park, Ardeer and Sunshine, with work set to be finished by next month. The regional rail link will create capacity for an extra 23 suburban and 10 regional services in morning and evening peaks, allowing an extra 54,000 passenger trips a day.
Mr Mulder said the new link was under budget and ahead of time, with works on track to start new regional services in early 2015.
Full details on all road and rail closures, maintenance, renewal works and information on replacement bus services can be found on www.regionalraillink.vic.gov.au or www.ptv.vic.gov.au.
Charlene Macaulay
