INLAND Rail will use the upcoming 60-hour closure of the Albury, Shepparton and Seymour lines to carry out important construction activity and prepare sites in the Beveridge to Albury section for major works later in the year.

From 7am Saturday 22 March to 7pm Monday 24 March, Inland Rail and its construction partners will complete a large program of works that can only be undertaken safely when rail services are suspended.

Inland Rail will perform construction activities at multiple Victorian sites, including the removal of the Docker Street pedestrian bridge near Wangaratta station, road safety improvement works at the Birkett Street level crossing in Euroa, and groundworks at Benalla, Euroa, Tallarook, Seymour, Broadford and Wandong.

Coaches will replace trains during the track possession works period and passengers are advised to check the V/Line website for more information.

Ed Walker, Inland Rail delivery director Beveridge to Albury said track possessions are critically important for the completion of the Inland Rail project.

They allow our team to access the rail corridor safely and complete essential work without trains operating.

“A lot of planning takes place, so we can complete a large volume of work in a short period and keep the disruption of the rail line to a minimum," Mr Walker said.

“The possession works are focused on finishing off the remaining work on our Tranche 1 sites at Wangaratta and Seymour-Avenel Road and preparing Tranche 2 sites for major construction later this year.

“We apologise for the disruptions and thank local communities for their patience and understanding as we carry out the work.”