Article: Full steam ahead

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Full steam ahead

Full steam ahead

The rail line between Seymour and Albury will be standardised to match interstate networks, as part of a $500 million project.

The joint Victorian and Federal Government deal will see the tracks upgraded, including a conversion from broad gauge to standard gauge to match the rest of the Sydney to Melbourne rail line.

The deal will also see Wodonga get its long awaited rail bypass.

"It will create an interstate rail freight super highway," Victorian Premier John Brumby said.

"It will deliver major rail service improvements along the corridor."

The upgrades have been delayed by lengthy negotiations between the Victorian Government and the Rail Track Corporation.

But now that a deal has been struck, the Government plans to start construction this year.

"We're keen to get cracking ASAP, so you're going to see work start on the bypass later this year," Mr Brumby said.

The Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky, says there will be short term pain for rail passengers to the north east.

"There will be disruptions, people will have to travel by bus probably for just over a 12 month period," she said.

It is expected be completed in 2010.