60-hour train line suspension accelerates Inland Rail project

By Billie Davern

Mar 20, 2025

60-hour train line suspensions will lead to the advancement of Inland Rail’s Beveridge to Albury project. Photo by Contributed

Vital works are set to take place on Inland Rail’s Beveridge to Albury project as a result of the 60-hour closure of railway services.

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From 7am on Saturday, March 22 to 7pm Monday, March 24, the Albury, Shepparton and Seymour lines will be suspended.

This will allow Inland Rail and its construction partners to complete a large program of works which can only be undertaken when these lines aren’t in operation.

Construction will be performed on multiple sites across the state during this 60-hour period.

Along the Hume Fwy in Seymour and Tallarook, works will involve removal of trees and vegetation, geotechnical investigations, specific to Tallarook, installation of structure monitoring sensors, and installation of delineation fencing to provide a safe working space for future rail works.

In Euroa, works will include widening sections of Birkett St, road safety improvements at the Birkett St level crossing, and Birkett St level crossing rail upgrades.

Benalla will see the relocation of the Benalla railway station power supply and removal of existing power poles from the western side, removal of the Benalla signal box, and installation of delineation fencing to provide a safe working space for future rail works.

Other works will be undertaken in Wangaratta, Broadford and Wandong during this time period.

Inland Rail delivery director of the Beveridge to Albury project Ed Walker said these works are a crucial aspect of the project.

“Track possessions are critically important for the completion of the Inland Rail project,” Mr Walker said.

“They allow our team to access the rail corridor safely and complete essential work without trains operating.

“A lot of planning takes place, so we can complete a large volume of work in a short period and keep the disruption of the rail line to a minimum.

“The possession works are focused on finishing off the remaining work on our Tranche 1 sites at Wangaratta and Seymour-Avenel Rd and preparing Tranche 2 sites for major construction later this year.”

Coaches are set to replace trains during the track possession works periods.

“We apologise for the disruptions, and thank local communities for their patience and understanding as we carry out the work,” Mr Walker said.

Those wanting to travel within this period are advised to check the V/Line website at www.vline.com.au/servicechanges