Trains return to Clunes
Friday, 18 November 2011
It has been almost two decades since the township of Clunes has played host to passenger trains, but from Sunday 4 December that is all set to change with Clunes residents having access to a daily return train to Melbourne via Ballarat from the first Sunday in December.
V/Line CEO Rob Barnett said that V/Line welcomed the improvement.
"V/Line is continuing to carry more passengers by train each month. V/Line is delighted with the support it is receiving from travellers. It is pleasing that the number of stations served by V/Line trains is continuing to increase," Mr Barnett said.
The train arrives at Ballarat before 9am and departs after 5pm. It will be the ideal way to get to work, study, medical appointments or to Ballarat's shops.
Passenger trains returned to Creswick and Maryborough in July 2010, and the Victorian Government has been committed to adding Clunes and Talbot to V/Line's passenger train network.
Trains will also be faster on the Maryborough line, saving travellers up to nine minutes between Ballarat and Maryborough. Motorists and pedestrians should continue to take care.
The $7 million Clunes project includes:
- A new platform and shelter
- car park works - new asphalt and 22 parking spaces (with 2 disability compliant car parks)
- concrete footpaths and landscaping
- bus stop, taxi bay and two kiss & ride bays
- an upgrade of the Boundary St level crossing from stop signs to boom barriers.
Repairs are being carried out on the original Clunes station to ensure it was preserved. Works include:
- underpinning the building through a grout injection to stabilise the structure
- a new platform verandah to provide passenger shelter
- guttering and downpipes repaired or replaced.
The Government had also allocated $2.5 million to upgrade Talbot station.
Concept designs for Talbot station will be completed by the end of the year, paving the way for the return of passenger trains to the town in 2012.
This reopening also means that Melburnians can make a weekend of it by catching the train to this historic town for a relaxing getaway or for special events such as Back to Booktown in May each year.
Motorists and pedestrians are reminded that the train's new stopping pattern mean people should be vigilant around level crossings. All level crossings have now been upgraded but road users still need to slow down, obey warning signs and be prepared to stop when approaching level crossings.
Community event
People are invited to attend a BBQ at Clunes Station on Saturday 3 December to celebrate the return of passenger trains. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a sausage sizzle, giveaways and activities from 12:30pm.
Ride the train
A special train will depart Ballarat at 12:15 and head to Clunes for the community BBQ. Residents and visitors are invited to board this train, join the festivities and hop back on the train at 13:45. It arrives back in Ballarat at 14:15.
Visit vline.com.au for more information on tickets and timetables.
