PASSENGERS on the Seymour and Shepparton V/Line services are being advised to plan ahead, with coaches replacing trains across sections of both lines for 10 days in September as works on the Shepparton Line Upgrade continue.
Until Friday, 12 September, coaches are replacing trains between Seymour and Shepparton, as well as between Southern Cross and Seymour each night. From Saturday, 13 September to Tuesday, 16 September, coaches will replace all trains between Southern Cross, Seymour and Shepparton.
Replacement services will be a mix of express, semi-express and stopping-all-stations coaches, though none will stop at Essendon Station. Passengers are advised to allow up to 75 minutes extra travel time. Temporary coach timetables are available via the Transport Victoria and V/Line websites.
The disruptions will allow crews to work around the clock to prepare for the commissioning of the line’s new signalling system. This includes installing and testing signalling equipment, removing redundant infrastructure, and building a new radio tower at Seymour Station. Night works are also being carried out along the Seymour Line between Donnybrook and Seymour, with crews replacing sleepers and undertaking track maintenance.
In addition, passengers on the Albury Line will face replacement coaches between Southern Cross and Albury from Saturday, 13 September to Monday, 15 September, as the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Inland Rail complete maintenance and construction. Those journeys may take up to 60 minutes longer.
A major construction blitz later this year will complete the new signalling system and other upgrade works. For the latest service updates, passengers can visit transport.vic.gov.au.
