Photo: trivago Magazine

A major construction blitz will take place in January to prepare for the new fleet of High Capacity Metro Trains and the Metro Tunnel.

One of the biggest ever power, signalling and communications upgrades to Melbourne’s train network is taking place on the Cranbourne/Pakenham lines in preparation for the arrival of bigger better new trains in mid-2019. The works will also be co-ordinated with construction on the Metro Tunnel’s eastern entrance in South Yarra.

From 2-13 January, buses and V/Line coaches will replace trains between Flinders Street and Westall on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, between Flinders Street and Moorabbin on the Frankston line and the entire journey on the Gippsland Line.

There’s also significant works across the rail network, with overnight and weekend works on the Belgrave/Lilydale, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Sandringham, Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown lines.

Buses will replace trains from 12-27 January on Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca services for maintenance and essential works between Sunbury and Swan Hill. Maintenance will also be carried out between Warrigal Road and Camberwell Road from 3-12 January during this time, with buses replacing trams for part of the journey.

From 2-24 January, the intersection of Yan Yean, Diamond Creek and Aqueduct Roads in Plenty will be closed, as part of the $131 million duplication of Yan Yean Road.

The January construction blitz builds on current works on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland lines from 1-23 December, with V/Line completing major maintenance works and other upgrades along the Gippsland line.

Passengers travelling to and from the city on affected lines during these summer works should allow an extra 45 -75 minutes journey time. Extra bus services will be in place to cater for the expected demand.

Further power and signalling upgrades will take place on more than 80 kilometres of track in 2019. More details will be provided when these works are confirmed.

Replacement V/Line coaches on the Gippsland, Bendigo and Ballarat lines will operate express and semi-express services, and all works have been timed to coincide with the quieter Christmas/New Year holiday period.

For project and disruption information visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au. To plan your journey visit ptv.vic.gov.au or vicroads.vic.gov.au.