Joint release with Minister for Infrastructure Michael McCormack
More frequent services and increased reliability on the Geelong Line are a step closer with construction works to upgrade Waurn Ponds Station set to begin later this month.
Artist impressions released today give passengers and the community a glimpse of what the upgraded station will look like.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrades will deliver many benefits for the growing community.
“The start of works at Waurn Ponds Station is exciting because of the direct benefits it will bring to the community,” Mr McCormack said.
“Not only will we see improved rail services, but the construction will also bring local investment in job and supplier opportunities.”
New features at Waurn Ponds Station will also include an accessible pedestrian overpass with lifts and ramps connecting the two platforms, an expanded station forecourt with a new drop-off zone and secure bike storage, providing more options for passengers to access the station.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said that the upgrades are the first step towards increasing services on the Geelong line and will also deliver a more accessible station.
“The upgrades to Waurn Ponds Station are the first step towards increasing services and improving reliability on the Geelong Line, in addition to delivering better accessibility and allow more locals to access the station by car or bike.”
“We’re also adding 90 new car park spaces and sealing 120 gravel spaces as part of the upgrade, which will make a real difference for passengers using the station,” Ms Allan said.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said a new second platform and track will help train services recover more quickly from delays and allow more services to be extended to and from Waurn Ponds Station.
“This is all about improving the services that our local communities rely on,” Senator Henderson said.
“We are always looking at opportunities to make the commute to and from home that much easier and that much better for residents.”
Construction contractor Downer will set up a site compound at the station from next week, ahead of construction starting in late June. This will require the closure of Muir Road with detours in place for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists via Ghazeepore Road, Baanip Boulevard, Torquay Road and Heyers Road.
State Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said feedback provided by locals has influenced the final designs for the upgraded station, which is expected to be completed in late 2021.
“Community feedback emphasised the need for safer pedestrian access through the car park, as well as better connections, and these will be provided as part of the upgrades to the station,” he said.
“Aspects of the region’s water catchments have been incorporated into the design of the forecourt landscaping and will provide a link to the local area for passengers to the upgraded Waurn Ponds Station.
“Better security including CCTV and increased lighting around the station will help make the journey to and from Waurn Ponds a safer one for station users.”
Planning work, including site investigations, is also underway for the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication, a State and Federal Government commitment to upgrade the line to deliver more frequent train services.
The upgrades to Waurn Ponds Station form part of the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program, funded by the Victorian and Australian governments, which is upgrading every passenger line in the state and creating more than 1,000 jobs.
More information about the project is available at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/geelong.
12 June 2020