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Ararat project
Train services to and from Ararat commenced on 11 July 2004. Community celebrations for the arrival of the first train were held on 10 July 2004. V/Line is running the new service as an extension of its existing service to Ballarat.
Features of the returned services include two daily services each way and services stopping at Beaufort.
Ararat celebrates its first birthday
Since the return of the rail service to Ararat, patronage grew by almost 29%, or over 15,000 people between Ararat and Ballarat during the first nine months of operation.
To mark the first anniversary of the Ararat train service, cake and refreshments were served at the station to passengers. Joe Helper, Member for Ripon, local council representatives and V/Line staff were also in attendance to celebrate this anniversary, prior to the Melbourne bound train departing on the morning of 11 July 2005. |  | Joe Helper, Member for Ripon, cutting the cake at the celebration of the first anniversary of the Ararat train return to service |
The upgrade to the railway line included the improvement of 22 level crossings and 92km of track. Other works carried out by Works Infrastructure and managed by the Department of Infrastructure have included:
- replacement of 8,000 sleepers
- construction of a 575 metre rail connection from the existing end of the broad gauge line to Ararat Station
- installation of new decking on several bridges, including Little Fiery Creek and Middle Creek bridges
- improvement of drainage and clearance of vegetation
- repairs to track and signalling work at Ararat Junction resulting from damage caused by the recent derailment of the freight train on the ARTC line.
Ararat Station has undergone a dramatic makeover, including resurfacing of platforms, installation of PA systems, a new canopy, seating and signage, as well as improvements to lighting, information boards and car parking areas.
Hazard and directional tiles to aid disabled travellers have also been installed on the platforms.
Member for Ripon Joe Helper and Works Infrastructure
Supervisor Ken McLean insert the
final sleepers on 92km of track |  |
The new canopy at Ararat Station |
Photos
Local communities celebrate the reopening of the Ararat line
Other services and works:
Bairnsdale
Mildura
South Gippsland
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