The Warrnambool Line Upgrade will allow for a fifth weekday return service between Warrnambool and Melbourne. The upgrade will also see modern VLocit trains introduced on the line. The project is being delivered in two stages.
The $252 million Stage One includes:
- a new crossing loop at Boorcan
- twelve level crossing upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool
- signalling upgrades, and
- upgrades to Warun Ponds Station.
The $260 million Stage Two will deliver further upgrades to the Warrnambool Rail Line that will complement the works undertaken during Stage One.
Upgrades in Stage Two includes track works to improve the ride quality, reliability and resilience of the line for passenger and freight rail services.
These works will also assist with the introduction of modern VLocity-class trains onto the Warrnambool Rail Line and maximise the benefits of the new trains for passengers.
Key Dates
| Jan 2020 | Contract Award - Stage One |
| Sep 2020 | Construction Commencement - Stage One |
| Sep 2022 | EOIs Open - Stage Two |
| Oct 2022 | EOIs Close - Stage Two |
| Oct 2022 | RFT Open - Stage Two |
| Nov 2022 | RFT Close - Stage Two |
| Nov 2022 | Expected Contract Award - Stage Two |
| Dec 2022 | Expected Construction Completion - Stage One |
| 2022 | Construction Commencement - Stage Two |
| Dec 2023 | Expected Construction Completion - Stage Two |
Funding contributions
| Federal Government | |
| Victorian Government |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | VicTrack |
| Successful Tenderer: | Stage One - Downer |
| Procurement note: | The project delivery has been divided between two stages. See Related contracts below for Stage One successful bidder. |
| Related contracts: |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Jan 2020 | Downer was awarded the main works contract for Stage One of the project, with construction beginning in September 2020. |
| Oct 2020 | In 2020-21 Budget, Federal Government allocated $208 million in funding for the project. |
| Nov 2020 | In its 2020-21 Budget, the Victorian Government allocated $260 million towards the project. This funding includes $208 million provided by the Federal Government and will be expended within the forward estimates and beyond. |
| Sep 2022 | VicTrack called for Expressions of Interest for an Early Contractor Involvement for Stage Two, closing on 8 October. |
| Dec 2022 | Construction of Stage Two was announced as underway, due for completion at the end of 2023. |
