The Victorian Government has awarded Downer the design and construct contract for the major components of the Warrnambool and Geelong line upgrades as part of Rail Project Victoria’s $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival.
Waurn Ponds Station will undergo an upgrade as part of the contract, with a second platform, new track, pedestrian overpass and additional carparks to be delivered. Downer will also build a passing loop at Boorcan and signalling upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool.
Downer Executive General Manager Transport Projects Mark Mackay said this is a significant win for Downer in Victoria.
“Our committed team of experts will deliver an integrated solution, future-proofed to minimise rework and maximise opportunities for passengers and the community,” he said.
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Downer said in a release that it has one of Victoria’s largest in-house V/Line-competent signalling teams, who have been involved in some of Victoria’s most complex signalling projects.
The company will draw expertise from the design team that upgraded Waurn Ponds Station in 2014 and the construction teams responsible for the Bendigo Station Upgrade and High Capacity Metro Trains Maintenance Facility.
The contract also includes the delivery of a stabling facility at Waurn Ponds, subject to relevant approvals.
Construction will begin in mid-2020 and is expected to finish in late 2021.