South Geelong to Waurn Ponds  Rail Duplication

Customer: Rail Projects Victoria

Contract: Alliance

Location: Geelong, Victoria

 

Transport Solutions Australia

Fast Facts

  • 8 km of track duplication and signalling upgrades
  • Two level crossing removals using rail bridges
  • Two new stations

The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project is a design and construct project being undertaken by the Djilang Alliance, made up of McConnell Dowell, Downer, ARUP and WSP.  The project will provide more frequent and reliable services and better stations for passengers on Victoria’s busiest regional rail line.  

The duplication includes elevated rail bridges for two level crossing removals, around eight kilometres of track duplication and signalling upgrades.

Key features of the project include: 

  • Two grade separations in the form of rail over road bridges to eliminate dangerous level crossings located on Fyans Street and the Surf Coast Highway 
  • The upgrading of two stations (South Geelong Station and Marshall), which includes the construction of second platforms, ramps, stairs, lifts and overpasses, the construction of new station buildings and the improvement of forecourts and parking facilities for both stations 
  • More than 5 km of new shared user paths linking to existing trails and paths and creating a continuous connection between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds 
  • Approximately 8 km of track duplication and signalling upgrades  
  • Upgrades to the drainage system within the project area 
  • Construction of 2.1 km of two large diameter water pipelines (1085mm OD and 813mm OD) for the local water authority 
  • Numerous utility relocations to facilitate construction. 

A Community Focus 

Building on the considerable work already undertaken by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) in this area, the Alliance has developed a strong understanding of the local community to undertake localised engagement plans. The project is working with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Deakin University, City of Greater Geelong council, and other local stakeholder and community groups to enhance the positive social impact of the project.  

The removal of two level crossings will improve safety for the community at these locations, including the creation of a community space at Fyans Street. The duplication of the rail between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds will increase the number of train services during peak travel times, improving services for those in Marshall and Waurn Ponds to and from Melbourne.  

Minimal Disruption 

Djilang Alliance’s track occupation strategy minimises disruptions to network operators, their customers, and local communities as much as possible, while ensuring the project is delivered in a safe and cost-effective manner.  

A key aspect of our strategy is segregating construction works from the live corridor by creating ‘virtual greenfields’ that enable more works to be carried out during normal train running.   

The Alliance will continue to identify opportunities to further maximise this offline working approach throughout delivery, reducing the reliance on occupations even further.