Works are under way to improve the reliability and punctuality of services for Werribee rail commuters.
The $115 million Bayside Rail Project will ensure modern X’Trapolis trains are running on the line by late next year.
State Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the new trains were world- class.
“They will be stabled at Newport and have additional safety features such as CCTV cameras in every carriage, each one providing a direct video link to the train driver.”
Mr Mulder said the Newport train maintenance depot would also be upgraded.
Sleepers will be replaced, manual signals converted to automated signalling and two new sets of points installed to allow trains to move in and out more easily.
Public Transport Victoria chief executive Mark Wild said tracks, power supplies, signalling and overhead wiring were also being boosted so the new trains could operate on the line.
Mr Wild said works on the Werribee line would continue during a weekend closure of the Altona Loop on October 19 and during evenings until early November.
Travel times could be extended by up to 20 minutes on weekends and 30 minutes on weeknights during the works.
Replacement buses will operate to and from Westona, Altona and Seaholme between October 19 and November 1.
For details, phone 1800 800 007.
