The $400 million project, funded 80/20 per cent by the Australian and Victorian governments takes the total commitment for the rail upgrade beyond $700 million.
Stage one delivered an additional boost to rail services, while stage two, due for completion in 2022 establishes the infrastructure to run VLocity trains.
The project will extend platforms at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations to accommodate the longer VLocity trains and build a new stabling facility in an industrial area north of Shepparton's railway station, including facilities for staff.
Fifty-nine level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton require upgrades, including train detection technology, to cater for the faster 130 km/h VLocity trains.
A passing loop at Murchison will make it possible to run more trains on the line.
Stage three includes major track works, again aimed at taking advantage of the VLocity trains’ top speed, and signalling and additional upgrades as identified in the business case to deliver nine return services a day between Shepparton and Melbourne.“It has been quite a journey in recent years for the Shepparton community in getting improved rail services, the community has long fought very hard for it,” Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said.
“It is a big job to do, this line hasn't had the investment over the previous decades that it needed to have, so it has been a big job and we have had to do it in stages.”Ms Allan paid tribute to the community and State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed for keeping rail upgrades on the agenda.“This means an awful lot for the Shepparton community and we have all worked really hard,” she said.“Shepparton rightly identified that they wanted an investment in rail because they understood the job opportunities, the economic opportunity and the social connections that come from having good, reliable train services.”Stage three works are expected to be completed by 2023.Ms Sheed said the vision for Shepparton rail that she went to the 2014 state election hoping to deliver was now complete.“It has been a great opportunity to work closely with the government to see a vision at the end of this, the nine VLocity trains were the goal and each budget we have been able to achieve funding that has now got us in a position to complete it,” she said.“I’m just delighted.”Ms Sheed said the nine services would increase social connectivity and access to Melbourne for business, education and medical appointments.Ms Allan said the traffic would be two-way with more services to bring people from Melbourne to visit the region.
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