Ocean Grove residents heading to Melbourne or Warrnambool by public transport will have to plan ahead with coaches to replace trains in Geelong for much of May.
Coaches will be used between Waurn Ponds and Geelong from April 30 to May 11 and again from May 22 to May 28, while coaches will replace trains from Waurn Ponds to Wyndham Vale on May 12-13 and May 16-21 and to Southern Cross on May 14 and 15.
Coaches will also run from Geelong to Warrnambool over the same period.
The changes will allow the final two 50-metre sections of rail at Waurn Ponds Station to be installed and live signalling boxes to be relocated from the rail corridor to complete track duplication at the station.
Construction will also continue on a pedestrian and cyclist path on the south side of the station, with features including CCTV and lighting, along with final fit outs on the second platform, ramps and stairs.
Site investigations for the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication will take place along the rail line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds to support early works and design of the project.
Work will also continue on the Waurn Ponds train stabling and maintenance facility with construction of the service buildings underway.
The absence of trains will also allow V/Line to complete more than $5 million worth of maintenance works on the line.
Crews will complete level crossing renewal works at McKillop Street and Kilgour Street in Geelong, Reserve Road at Marshall and Peak School Road at Lara.
The program of works also includes a deck replacement to the rail bridge at St Georges Road level crossing at Norlane, repair and restoration works at Corio and Birregurra stations and mud hole removals along sections of the line.
