A crucial element of the state government’s $518 million upgrade to the Ballarat line is one step closer after a preferred location for the Ballan loop was decided on.

The preferred design will see the loop begin west of the Ingliston Road level crossing and end about two kilometres west of the Geelong-Ballan Road. The route was one of two locations considered by engineers.

The new track is one of three loops planned for in the line upgrade, with Warrenheip and Spreadeagle also set to house duplicated lines.

The Spreadeagle development will replace the existing Bungaree loop, which is set to be decommissioned once its replacement is completed.

In a statement Buninyong MP Geoff Howard said the investment in the Ballarat line would be a major stimulus to the city’s economy during construction and into the future.

Full article: http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/4957050/ballan-loop-location-secured