Victorian commuters have been asked to allow up to 90 minutes extra for their journey as a construction bonanza creates chaos across half of the state’s transport network.
Australian Industry Group’s Tim Piper says there are a number of infrastructure projects in Victoria which are “in doubt” at the moment.
“Whether it’s the suburban rail loop which is anything from $35 to $200 billion, take your pick as to what that might be,” he told Sky News host Peta Credlin.
“The airport rail that’s been significant and that’s being pulled at the moment despite the fact that there’s already been some work being done on it.”
Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has confirmed nine of 16 metro train lines will see disruptions from this weekend and worsen on Monday as works also strike regional commuters.
Premier Daniel Andrews’ Big Build project is at the heart of the interruptions as workers take advantage of the school holiday period to get on top of Metro Tunnel works and Level Crossing removals.
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson thanked commuters for their patience in the short term as Big Build workers grind around the clock to eventually “slash travel times”.
“We’re getting on with delivering the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel and level crossing removals, projects that will slash travel times and congestion on our roads, transforming the way Victorians travel,” a spokesperson told Skynews.com.au.
“Thousands of Big Build workers will be working around the clock during the school holidays to minimise disruptions.
“We thank people for their patience and understanding while major upgrade works take place, to significantly improve Victoria’s transport network.”
Passengers have been urged to allow up to an extra 90 minutes for their journey depending on their line and advised to regularly check PTV and V/Line websites.
Metro lines impacted include Cranbourne, Pakenham, Sunbury, Upfield, Craigieburn, Werribee, Williamstown, Frankston and Stony Point lines.
Victoria’s Big Build project is at the heart of all the disruptions from June to August. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling
Two level crossing removals and a new Glen Huntly Road station will see buses replace trains on parts of the Frankston Line until early August.
After Monday, Cranbourne and Pakenham travellers can anticipate buses instead of trains on parts of the line intermittently, with disruptions planned on July 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.
Regionally, from Monday trains will halt on sections of the Bairnsdale, Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Ararat, Maryborough, Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill, Shepparton and Seymour Lines.
One Victorian mother expressed frustration over the changes for her daughter who commutes from Geelong to Melbourne for work as a nurse.
Passengers on parts of the Frankston line can anticipate buses instead of train until August. Picture: Tony Gough
“It’s hard enough to get into Melb from Geelong as it is. And very dangerous,” she said on Twitter.
“Tell me….how does a nurse work from home, so I can let my daughter know?”
Most regional commuters can expect coaches to disappear and services to resume back to normal when the winter bonanza of construction ends mid-August.