The Allan Labor Government has made it safer for Avoca residents to cross the railway line on the town’s
northern edge, with a new pedestrian crossing built at Homebush Road.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today announced the completion of the $500,000 project, which
involved installing approximately 50 metres of concrete pathway, laying asphalt crossing over the rail
tracks, improving drainage, new line markings and installing two streetlights on either side of the
crossing.

This project was a safety priority given the crossing’s proximity to nearby Avoca Primary School.
The new pedestrian crossing on the Ararat-Maryborough freight line is close to the popular Avoca Silo,
which is part of Australia’s Silo Art Trail and attracts hundreds of tourists each week.
The Ararat-Maryborough line is a key section of Victoria’s freight network, with between three and four
trains passing through Avoca daily.

The line underwent a significant track upgrade in 2022 as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project, which has
increased freight capacity for approved wagons to 21-tonne axle loading, while a new passing loop at
Elmhurst will come into operation later this year to provide greater flexibility for the network.

The Murray Basin Rail Project is increasing the number of weekly train paths on the Murray Basin
network and supporting 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during delivery.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“This new crossing comes as more freight is being delivered through Avoca thanks to the upgrade to the
Ararat-Maryborough Line.”

“We’re improving access for locals with the crossing connecting with new pathways along Homebush
Road and Boyce Street in Avoca.”