Project Profile: Shepparton Line Upgrade

The Shepparton Line Upgrade is a completed infrastructure enhancement project in Victoria, Australia, designed to modernize a critical regional rail corridor. The project delivered increased service frequency, reduced journey times, and enabled the deployment of modern VLocity rolling stock. This profile outlines the technical specifications and strategic outcomes of this vital regional rail investment.

Technical Specifications

The core of the upgrade involved significant civil and technological enhancements to accommodate modern, high-capacity trainsets. A key infrastructure component was the construction of a new crossing loop near Murchison East, extending track capacity and allowing passenger services to pass each other, which is fundamental to increasing service frequency on the single-track line. In Shepparton, a new train stabling facility was constructed to support the expanded fleet and enable more flexible service timetabling.

Signal and track upgrades were implemented along the corridor to support the operational requirements of the VLocity Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) fleet. These works included track resurfacing, level crossing upgrades, and integration with the V/Line network control centre. The introduction of VLocity trains replaced legacy rolling stock, providing significant improvements in passenger comfort, accessibility, and journey time reliability. Additionally, the project incorporated enhanced telecommunications infrastructure, including new mobile towers and in-train technology, to improve passenger connectivity.

Key Takeaways

• Enabling High-Frequency Regional Services: The upgrade successfully unlocked the capacity for up to nine daily return services between Shepparton and Melbourne, fundamentally transforming public transport access for the Goulburn Valley region.
• Stimulating Regional Economic Growth: By improving connectivity to Melbourne for employment, education, and healthcare, the project acts as a catalyst for investment and population growth in the Greater Shepparton area.
• A Model for Staged Modernization: The project demonstrates an effective, multi-stage approach to upgrading legacy rail infrastructure, allowing for progressive benefits while managing budget and construction impacts over several years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Shepparton Line Upgrade finish?
The final stages of the Shepparton Line Upgrade were completed in late 2022. The introduction of modern VLocity train services marked the full operational commencement of the upgraded line.

Who built the Shepparton Line Upgrade?
The upgrade was delivered by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) for the Victorian Government. Key construction partners included Coleman Rail and KBR, with V/Line operating the passenger rail services on the completed line.