HOT weather forcast for this weekend is set to impact V/Line rail services, with knock on effects across the network.
A statement from the Victorian Department of Transport issues on Friday morning said speed restrictions would be place, including between Swan Hill and Bendigo.
“There will … be heat speed restrictions for trains travelling on the Swan Hill Line on Saturday and Sunday between Swan Hill and Bendigo, with passengers to transfer to coaches between Bendigo and Southern Cross both days of the weekend due to the planned works,” a Department spokesperson said.
“Passengers on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines should allow an additional 90 minutes travel time.”
Across the state traines on the Ararat, Ballarat, Maryborough, Seymour, Shepparton, Geelong, Warrnambool, Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines will be speed limited on Saturday.
While Sunday will see hot day timetables set for the Ararat, Ballarat, Maryborough, Seymour, Shepparton, Geelong, Warrnambool, Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines.
“Passengers on all lines are advised to plan ahead and check the V/Line website before travelling for the extreme heat timetables and any changes to their services, and please allow extra travel time,” the spokesperson said.
“Passengers may wish to consider travelling in the cooler parts of the day.
“Extreme heat speed restrictions are enforced when temperatures are forecast to exceed 36 degrees to reduce the likelihood of train and track faults, while also keeping passengers safe. When an extreme heat timetable is in place, journey times will be extended as we reduce the speed of trains or services may be replaced by coaches for all or part of the journey.
“No V/Line train, scheduled coach or replacement coach services will operate in a fire district while a Catastrophic fire danger rating is in place for that district.”
