Logo of Department of Infrastructure, State Government of Victoria, Australia.
Home Help A-Z index Site map Contact us  
  Latest news Media releases Ministers Key projects Publications Advanced search  
   
About DOI
Public transport
Transport planning & projects
Regulators & licensing
Ports, freight & logistics
Energy
Information & communication technology
Major projects
Construction suppliers
Former DOI areas
Local government
Bringing trains back to Victorians banner

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 Ararat train return to service
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
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
The new canopy at Ararat Station

Photos
  • Local communities celebrate the reopening of the Ararat line

    Other services and works:
  • Bairnsdale
  • Mildura
  • South Gippsland

    Printer friendly version

    What's new in transport planning and projects | Metropolitan Transport Plan | Linking Victoria | Revitalising Victorian Rail | Spencer Street Station redevelopment | Regional Fast Rail | Transport strategies and plans | Smartcard ticketing for public transport | Contact transport planning and projects | Transport planning and projects home

    State Government of Victoria logo- link to Victorian Government home
    Top of page
    Department of Infrastructure home | Victorian Government home
    Site map | Contact us | Help | Privacy statement | Copyright and disclaimer

    Copyright © 2005, Department of Infrastructure, State Government
    of Victoria, Australia. Page last reviewed on 10/10/2005