LOCAL motorists and regional train travellers will face disruptions, delays and detours throughout autumn as the state government carries out works on the Gippsland Line Upgrade and the Princes Freeway.
The government said these works will lead to more services, level crossings removed and better facilities for regional passengers.
Test trains will continue running outside the Metro Tunnel, while the removal of level crossings and construction of a new station in Pakenham will create dedicated V/Line tracks – improving reliability on the Gippsland Line.
Throughout March, coaches will replace V/Line trains travelling between Southern Cross and Pakenham.
Regional passengers will also board replacement coaches for six weeks in May and June as crews on the Gippsland Line Upgrade carry out complex signalling work, safety testing and driver training.
Motorists travelling between Melbourne and Gippsland will detour through Pakenham as the eastbound lanes of the Princes Freeway close from April 12 to April 15 for asphalt strengthening works, as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade, which will improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks.
Passengers planning to travel during these disruptions should allow up to 60 minutes extra for their journey and check the temporary coach replacement timetable before travelling, which will be available from the V/Line and PTV websites closer to the start of works.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Danny Pearson said these works will help deliver more trains, more often across regional Victoria.
“We are getting on with delivering vital infrastructure that will better connect regional Victoria with modern and more reliable transport,” Mr Pearson said.
