William Scott
Early work is underway on an accessibility upgrade at Ballarat Station in Victoria that is set to provide all users with a smoother journey.
Crews will begin site establishment from 14 January to prepare for the start of works later in the month.
Plans to improve accessibility at Ballarat Station include installing a pedestrian overpass with a passenger lift and stairs to both platforms, a new ramp and stairs to the northern station entrance, lighting and tactile upgrades, and landscaping. The new overpass will open in 2026.
To ensure crews can work safely while minimising the impact on commuters, temporary fencing and safety barriers will be installed around the project area.
Local buses will be moved to a temporary location on Lydiard Street for the duration of the project and a temporary site compound will be installed nearby at the Ebden Street Reserve car park.
Work will start in January on removing a section of fencing, concrete paving and a section of metal roof sheeting between the bus interchange and northern platform in preparation for the lift and stairs.
A section of the southern station building will be removed to prepare for the lift and stairs on the southern platform. Crews will also start relocating communications services in the project area.
Final designs for the new overpass, lifts and northern entrance were released in late 2024, and incorporated further design and architectural work and feedback from the community.
The updated designs reduce the visual impact of the new structure on the existing heritage station buildings without compromising the critical accessibility upgrades and were produced in consultation with Heritage Victoria and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.
This will create a unique design for Ballarat Station with never-before-seen elevated views of the station clock tower and train hall and better visual connectivity and safety for station users.
