Sunbury line works blitz

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Jessica Micallef

Crews have begun working on the Sunbury train line this week, with nine days of around the clock track, power and signalling improvements as part of the Sunbury line upgrade.

Construction began on Friday and will continue until March 8, with power upgrades and platform extensions along the Sunbury line and new wheelchair boarding platforms at eight stations.

Other major works across the nine days include upgrading and replacing overheard structures, wiring and cabling between Footscray and Sunbury, connecting the Sunbury line to the Metro Tunnel at South Kensington with new tracks, installing modern signalling equipment between Footscray and Sunbury to support bigger trains, and the installation of a retaining wall and culvert expansion at Sunbury.

Train stabling is also being expanded at Watergardens and Calder Park to accommodate bigger trains.

Buses will replace train between Sunbury and North Melbourne until Monday, March 8, when trains return to the line.

The Sunbury line upgrade is being undertaken alongside the Gap Road level crossing removal project, which has been brought forward by two years to improve safety and ease traffic congestion in Sunbury.