A new milestone has been reached on the $50 million upgrade to Ballarat Station in Victoria with the release of early designs for community feedback.
The new plans recently released include installation of a pedestrian overpass with a passenger lift and stairs to both station platforms.
The planned upgrades to Ballarat Station will improve accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities or passengers with prams and luggage to move around the station and use public transport. The works will also ensure that the heritage of the station precinct is respected.
“The upgrades will ensure passengers can better access the station and change platforms, making it easier for people to catch a train.
“This investment will make sure Ballarat Station is more accessible, for more people – which is a huge win for the community,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said.
Upgrades to the northern entry of the station will be carried out as well, and it will include the construction of a new ramp and stairs as well as improvements to lighting and tactiles.
To ensure safety for all users, the design of the overpass will maintain a degree of transparency by retaining view lines from the inside and outside.
Preliminary engineering and geotechnical work have already been completed, which helped inform the early designs of the project and determined the best location for the new overpass is at the station’s eastern end.
Construction on the project is due to be completed in 2026.
“Not only will the overpass and lifts improve access across the rail line, it will also be designed in a manner that respects the significant heritage values of the station precinct,” Member for Ballarat Juliana Addison said.
“With construction on track to start later this year, commuters can look forward to an improved, more accessible station,” Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said.
Early engagement with key community stakeholders – including disability advocacy and heritage groups – is now underway and locals can now have their say on aspects of the project.
This project builds on the Ballarat Line Upgrade that will deliver an extra 135 weekly train services for Ballarat and the growing communities along the line. Trains are already running every 20 minutes on average during peak times.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build (1, 2); Engage Victoria; Roads & Infrastructure Australia