Gheringhap was converted to dual gauge as part of the gauge standardisation of the Melbourne–Adelaide railway. It was also at this time that the seven-kilometre section of double track from Ballarat to Warrenheip was converted to two parallel and independent lines, one running to Geelong and one to Melbourne, with the junction at Warrenheip being abolished. In 2008 track upgrading work commenced on the line as part of the rail freight improvements to the Mildura line. Improvements included installing gauge-convertible sleepers, the dual-gauging of level crossings, and drainage and ballast renewal. Upgrade work was completed in 2009. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Geelong-Ballarat railway, a special train ran from Geelong to Ballarat and return on Tuesday 10 April 2012, and further celebrations were held during the following weekend, on the 14 & 15 April. As part of its election policy, the state Coalition government, elected in November 2010, instituted a study into reintroducing passenger services on the line. The so-called "Rail Revival Study", obtained by the Herald Sun in mid-2013 using Freedom of Information laws, concluded that returning rail passenger services to the line was not viable due to the high cost. Despite a push in November 2013 to re-open these railway sections for passenger traffic, nothing ended up happening, with the line remaining freight-only. Line guide The line uses centralised traffic control on the 13.5 km dual gauge section between North Geelong and Gheringhap, and Train Order Working from there. Unattended crossing loops exist at Gheringhap and Warrenheip. Meredith can be used to cross trains if the signal box is attended. Lal Lal has a crossing loop that is not used. Engineering heritage The line received an Engineering Heritage Marker from Engineers Australia as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program. References Further reading The Lal Lal Racecourse Branch, Gavan Duffy, C.D. Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin, August 1961 External links Railpage _ Gheringhap Loop Sightings Database Gheringhap Loop – Lineside overview and Photographs Railpage – Gheringhap Loop Railcam Project Vicsig.net – Yelta line diagram Rail Geelong: Photos of infrastructure along the line Freight railway lines in Victoria (Australia) Railway lines opened in 1862 1862 establishments in Australia 5 ft 3 in gauge railways in Australia Transport in Ballarat Recipients of Engineers Australia engineering heritage markers Transport in Barwon South West (region)