Monday 7 November

A $5.6 million program to upgrade 13 level crossings with boom barriers between Bendigo and Echuca will soon begin Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced today.

When finished travel journey times between Echuca and Bendigo will be reduced as trains increase their speed from about 80kmh to at least 100kmh along the 87 kilometres of track.

"V/Line trains had to run at slower speeds for safety reasons due to the amount of level crossings that existed with only stop or give way signs," Mr Mulder said.

"These upgrades will allow trains to safely run at higher speeds."

The upgrades will take place over two financial years with six to be done during 2011-12 and eight in 2012-13.

Members for Rodney Paul Weller and Northern Victoria Damian Drum welcomed the safety improvements.

"In 2010-11 financial year almost 20,000 passenger trips were made on V/Line trains from Echuca. The service is especially popular during school holidays and in the lead up to public holidays," Mr Weller said.

Mr Drum said that because the Bendigo to Echuca line was relatively flat, motorists and other road users needed to take extra care.

"If the boom barriers at any level crossing are down at any time do not drive around them unless directed to by a police officer or V/Line staff member," he said

Work will begin in the next month on the Ironstone Road crossing at Epsom. Upgrades will progressively move towards Echuca.

V/Line Chief Executive Officer Rob Barnett said the project cost of about $5.6 million would involve significant work at some locations.

"Power needs to be organised to locations along with new cabling for signalling," he said.

"With each crossing costing about $400,000 it works out to be excellent value for money especially when the amount of work involved and safety improvements that come from boom gates is considered."

Road users are still reminded even with level crossing upgrades to be mindful of being safe.

Level crossing upgrade list