Project Profile: Ballarat Line Upgrade, Victoria

The Ballarat Line Upgrade is a critical infrastructure project in Victoria, Australia, completed under the Regional Rail Revival program. This initiative enhanced operational capacity through significant track duplication, station modernization, and integrated safety improvements, setting the stage for future electrification and greater integration with Melbourne’s metropolitan network.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project involved duplicating 21 km of track across two key sections: an 18 km stretch between Deer Park West and Melton, and a 3 km section east of Warrenheip Junction. The Deer Park to Melton duplication was specifically engineered to support future electrification, enabling its transition into a high-capacity metropolitan corridor. To further de-constrain the line, the project constructed two new passing loops: a 5 km loop at Ballan and a 4 km loop at Millbrook. These additions, combined with the decommissioning of the legacy Bungaree loop, allow for more flexible train pathing and significantly reduce delays caused by single-track operations.

Station infrastructure was extensively modernized to improve passenger flow and accessibility. Rockbank, Bacchus Marsh, and Ballan stations received second platforms, new pedestrian links, and expanded car parking facilities, with approximately 450 new spaces added across the line. Notably, stabling facilities were relocated from Bacchus Marsh to a new, purpose-built site at Maddingley to mitigate noise and environmental impacts on local residents.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Capacity & Frequency: Duplication of 21km of track and construction of 9km of passing loops directly addressed single-track bottlenecks, enabling a high-frequency timetable of every 20 minutes during peak hours and 40 minutes off-peak.
• Foundation for Electrification: The strategic duplication between Deer Park West and Melton was engineered to facilitate future electrification, allowing for the seamless integration of this section into Melbourne’s metropolitan rail system.
• Integrated Safety & Community Improvements: The project adopted a holistic approach by removing five level crossings in conjunction with the Bungaree loop decommissioning, significantly improving public safety and reducing local traffic disruption.

FAQ

When did the Ballarat Line Upgrade become operational?

The main construction phase of the Ballarat Line Upgrade in Victoria was completed in January 2021, with the new, more frequent services commencing for passengers shortly thereafter.

Who built the Ballarat Line Upgrade?

The Ballarat Line Upgrade was delivered by a consortium of key contractors including Lendlease Engineering, Coleman Rail, and the engineering consultancy SMEC Australia, as part of the Victorian Government’s Regional Rail Revival program.