Avon River Bridge included in rail package
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Avon River Bridge included in rail package

Funding to upgrade the Avon River Bridge has been confirmed, as part of the Federal Government’s $1.6 billion regional rail package announced today.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is over the moon with the confirmation of the announcement, saying East Gippsland rail passengers had been waiting for a long time for the upgrade of the rail bridge at Stratford.

“I thank the Infrastructure and Transport Minister and our local Federal Member, Darren Chester, for the allocation. I have no doubt having him in the portfolio as the National Party Minister played a huge part in having this package delivered for regional Victoria,” he said.

Mr Bull said the upgrade would cost $95 million, as part of the Federal Government’s overall allocation.

“For too long passengers have been slowed to 10 km/h as the train creeps across the bridge, which just isn’t an acceptable position to be in.

“This replacement will also assist with the reinstatement of freight rail and will also increase our chances of securing extra passenger services.

“I now look forward to finding out more specifics about the rail bridge upgrade, and seek a rough timeline on works can be expected to be started and of course, completed.”

Mr Chester said: “As a local MP and as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, I am proud to announce the Federal and State Governments have settled a $1.6 billion package of works to upgrade infrastructure in Victoria with a focus on regional rail.”

“The real winner from this package is the regional rail passengers who have been calling on these upgrades for a long time now,” he said.

Mr Bull said a separate $435m was also included for track upgrades between Traralgon and Pakenham, to ensure trains run smoother and faster.

He is also pleased that $30m has been included to develop a business case for the building of a rail link to Melbourne.

 

Caption: Federal Member for Gippsland and Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Darren Chester, and Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, are pleased with the announcement of a $95 million upgrade to the Avon River Bridge at Stratford.

 

Tuesday, June 27, 2017