In Victoria, Wangaratta is one of 12 Inland Rail sites where works are required to increase clearance on the existing North East rail line to safely run double-stacked freight trains.

At Wangaratta we’ve:

• Replaced two pedestrian footbridges with a new pedestrian underpass

• Relocated the rail track to form the new west track parallel to the existing station platform

• Constructed a new platform and car park on the western side of the station

• Replaced Green Street bridge and lowered the rail tracks.

August 2022

Potential suppliers, subcontractors and equipment providers were invited to Meet the Preferred Contractor, McConnell Dowell in Wangaratta.

The event encouraged local and First Nations businesses to learn about supply opportunities and how to be involved with Inland Rail in Victoria.

October 2022

Inland Rail awarded McConnell Dowell the contract to start construction on Tranche 1 in Victoria, including Wangaratta.

June 2023

Major construction officially kicked-off in Wangaratta.

July 2023

Just a month later and the big machines were brought in to remove the Cusack Street footbridge, to make way for the new pedestrian underpass.

Pedestrian access across the station precinct was maintained, via the Docker Street footbridge.  

September 2023

An extended track possession provided the time needed to install the new pedestrian underpass under the rail line.

A track possession is when a section of track is taken out of service, meaning all rail traffic in a specific area is stopped. By taking temporary control, essential maintenance or construction can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Works included cutting the existing rail track and station platform, digging out the underpass and installing 30 pre-cast concrete sections to form the underpass passageway.

February 2024

While works continued at the station precinct, February marked the removal of Green Street bridge, just meters down the track. Replacing the bridge was required to enable the tracks to be lowered.

 March 2024

It was hailed as the largest ever scope of works undertaken during a single track possession in Victoria. Over seven days, the team lowered the tracks under Green Street bridge, decommissioned the old ‘dive’ rail line and built the new west track. The landscape of Wangaratta Station was changed forever, visibly improving the connection between the town and the railway station.

By supporting local businesses, we’ve created a pipeline of skilled trainees in the local area. Wangaratta based Trimbles Plumbing & Civil was able to double its workforce and employ five apprentices thanks to Inland Rail works.

June 2024

Spreading the benefits of Inland Rail to students, the Wangaratta District Specialist School welcomed a donation of mulch to use in their agricultural and horticultural program.

August 2024

Thanks to the Inland Rail Skills Academy, local students were given a glimpse into the exciting future career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), taking part in interactive experiments in their classrooms.

By August the station precinct was taking shape. The new platform, rail track and underpass lifts, stairs and ramps were visible, while the old ‘dive’ rail line had been backfilled improving the visible connectivity between the town and the station.

September 2024

Another 60-hour possession and this time all eyes were on the installation of the Green Street bridge superstructure. And it fitted like a glove.

It was great to see the community come out and watch a bit of history.

Welcoming visitors to site is always fun and it was great to share construction progress during a site tour with local youths from the Wangaratta Boys to the Bush group.

December 2024

New elected Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant praised the community benefits of the modern infrastructure being delivered in her town during a tour of the site.

Next it was celebrations all round with Green Street bridge re-opening to traffic.

March 2025

The new pedestrian underpass opened, impressing locals with its lifts, ramps and stairs.

With safer and more accessible access across the rail tracks, the Docker Street footbridge could be removed, the final piece to enabling sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains.

April 2025

Passengers and locals were excited when the first V/Line train used the new station platform and pleased with the new car parking on the western side of the station.