Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the upgrade works on 532 linear track kilometres delivered local jobs at a vital time.
“Any infrastructure funding we invest in means locals jobs for local proponents, local contractors and economic stimulus for local businesses, laying the foundations for Victoria’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
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“With the completion of the main works on the North-East Rail Line upgrade, passengers will experience more reliable services and a better ride quality between Spencer St Junction in Melbourne and Albury-Wodonga.
“The works bring the rail line up to a Victorian Class 2 track performance standard, which is in line with other regional passenger rail lines in Victoria, including accommodating new VLocity trains on the line.
“The benefits of this project go beyond the passenger experience, with more than $70 million invested into regional north-east Victorian communities since the start of the project in early 2020, which has supported 173 Victorian businesses and service providers.”
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Victorian Senator Jane Hume said the project was delivered by ARTC on behalf of the Australian Government with support from Victorian transport agencies including V/Line, Public Transport Victoria, Transport for Victoria and Rail Projects Victoria.
“This was a large-scale project that involved approximately 615,000 working hours and we would like to thank everyone who played a part in the successful delivery of this significant project including the communities of north-east Victoria,” Senator Hume said.
“Whilst the objectives of the project have been achieved with the completion of major works, some project signalling works will continue throughout the remainder of 2021.”
Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie said the North-East Rail Line upgrade had been vital for keeping businesses open during the pandemic.
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“Government investments like these have long-reaching benefits, from supporting businesses in the region to keeping people in work,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Businesses such as the Euroa Caravan Park were kept open with the work crews’ business and CountryWide Asphalt received a boost by providing thousands of tonnes of asphalt for the upgrades.”
The project is fully funded by the Federal Government through the Australian Rail Track Corporation.
The Federal Government has invested more than $2.2 billion in regional passenger rail projects in Victoria.
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