North East Rail Revitalisation
Project description
V/Line trains recommenced on the northeast rail line on Sunday 26 June 2011. Two daily trains are now operating with the first leaving Albury at 6:35am and the second departing Melbourne at 12 noon. See V/Line for timetable details.
A community event celebrated the return of V/Line trains between Seymour and Albury-Wodonga, and the opening of the new Wodonga railway station.
The North East Rail Revitalisation project included a rail bypass of Wodonga and upgraded the track between Melbourne and Albury-Wodonga.
The project involved:
- constructing a five kilometre dual track rail bypass of Wodonga, enabling the removal the rail line and 11 level crossings from the city centre
- constructing a new train station in West Wodonga
- building new platforms between Broadmeadows and Albury-Wodonga
- converting 200km of track from broad gauge to standard gauge and replacing timber sleepers with concrete sleepers
- constructing four new passing loops and upgrading the standard gauge line between Seymour and Melbourne
- converting to standard gauge and refurbishing three V/Line passenger trains including a total of 15 carriages
- building a new stabling and maintenance facility for the converted trains.
The project was jointly funded, with the Commonwealth Government providing $156.5 million, the Victorian Government $171.3 million and Australian Rail Track Corporation $285 million.
Project benefits
- The North East Rail Revitalisation Project has improved capacity for both freight and passenger services.
- The Wodonga Rail Bypass has removed 11 level crossings from Wodonga, improving safety for rail passengers and road users.
- People in Seymour, Wangaratta, Benalla and Albury have access to both V/Line and interstate CountryLink services.
- Removing the rail line from the centre of Wodonga has opened up the city up to development and major commercial opportunities.