General News
18 July, 2026
Level crossing improvements underway
V/LINE is improving safety along the Ararat passenger line with upgrades at five level crossings complete and planning underway to upgrade nine others. Boom barriers, bells, flashing lights and improved train detection technology are being installed at the crossings between Wendouree and Ararat, alerting motorists when trains approach.
The first five crossings at Old Shirley Road, Racecourse Road, King Street, Finnegans Lane and Lawrence Street all in Beaufort are now operational with works on nine more crossings to get underway soon at Dip Road – near the historic Buangor Railway Station, Gravel Route Road Buangor, Warrayatkin Road Dobie, Green Hill Lake Road Ararat as well as two crossings at Cardigan, two at Windermere and one in Burrumbeet.
The $54 million program of works is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments under Round 2 of the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF).
V/Line operates 70 weekly services on the Ararat Line, following the addition of eight new weekend services to the timetable in 2025.
V/Line Chief Executive Officer Will Tieppo said the upgrades will improve safety for motorists and people travelling on V/Line trains.
“Works on these crossings will see boom barriers, bells and improved train detection technology installed, significantly improving the safety of the Ararat Line for motorists and train passengers.”
“We’re always looking for opportunities to improve safety and are committed to making level crossings across the state safer for trains, motorists, and pedestrians,” he said.