ACCIONA has completed a new stabling yard and major rail infrastructure upgrades on the Warrnambool Line in Victoria, with trains resuming services mid-May 2026 following 14 months of construction works. The project improves service reliability for V/Line passengers by enabling trains to be housed overnight at Warrnambool Station while supporting safer and more efficient rail operations.
A V/Line spokesperson highlighted the benefits for passengers and regional services. "For passengers we have a more reliable service that helps support us doing the five services a day that we currently run, seven days a week," the spokesperson said.
Project Delivery and Construction Scope
The ACCIONA rail team commenced works on 17 March 2025, delivering track upgrades, a new stabling facility, and supporting infrastructure at Warrnambool Station. The project included improved lighting, security cameras, fencing, gates, staff amenities, cleaning facilities and upgraded pedestrian access at Gilly Street.
The redevelopment also retained and connected the site's historic turntable to the rail network, allowing heritage trains to continue operating into Warrnambool. The completed facility now supports overnight train storage, helping reduce operational disruptions and improve timetable reliability across the regional network.
Construction Milestones and Technical Works
During the first rail line closure, between 29 March and 11 April 2025, crews removed existing rail infrastructure and replaced sections of the mainline track. ACCIONA also installed a temporary stabling area, completed service crossings, delivered a 180-metre bore for an axle counter, and established temporary level and pedestrian crossings.
Construction then progressed across the wider stabling facility, with extensive civil, signalling and services works completed across the site. The team delivered 113 communications, signalling and electrical pits and foundations, drainage infrastructure including gross pollutant traps, and new water, sewer and fire service connections throughout the yard.
Additional works included a new 430-kilolitre fire tank, a signalling and VicTrack building, a cleaners' building, vacuum shed, access paths, security fencing and gates, and the new stabling track infrastructure.
Watch the before-and-after video:
Final Works and Regional Impact
The final railway line closure took place between 11 and 12 April 2026, allowing crews to complete drainage works, connect the stabling yard to the mainline, and finish the new access road and pedestrian crossing. All project works were completed on 20 May 2026.
The Warrnambool stabling yard project strengthens regional rail infrastructure in south-west Victoria while supporting safer operations and more reliable passenger services for local communities into the future.