300 workers on track for three-day North East line rail works

Essential early works for the North East Rail Line Upgrade will be carried out by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) during a scheduled three-day works program next weekend.

With the works taking place during ARTC’s annual 60-hour maintenance ‘super possession’, ARTC and V/Line are urging travellers to plan ahead as there are disruptions to regular services between Melbourne and Albury.

The work will be undertaken from 6am on Saturday, August 31 until 6pm on Monday, September 2.

Around 300 workers across ten sites will work around the clock installing two new sets of crossovers for the North East line as well as completing other track upgrades and an intensive program of regular maintenance works.

ARTC is asking communities along the rail corridor to take extra care during the shutdown period due to the increase in truck and machinery movements around work sites.

General Manger Victoria Projects Ed Walker said it’s going to be a very busy three days on the North East line.

“By closing the line to rail traffic during the annual maintenance shutdown, our project and maintenance teams can work safely and efficiently and by working round the clock complete a large amount of work in a relatively short period,” Mr Walker said.

“ARTC would like to thank the community, rail passengers and motorists for their patience and understanding while we carry out these essential works.”   V/Line Regional Manager North East Gary Dean said V/Line was working closely with ARTC to support the North East Line Upgrade.   “These works are critical for improving track conditions on the North East Line, which will enable new VLocity trains to run between Melbourne and Albury in 2021,” Mr Dean said.   “As these essential works can only be done without passenger and freight trains running, we’ll need to replace train services with coaches. Journey times may be extended by up to 60 minutes, but we expect most express coach journey times to be just as quick as the train.”   With the shutdown affecting V/Line and NSW TrainLink services, alternative coach services will be provided.

Details and schedules can be found on the V/Line and NSW TrainLink websites.