The state government announced the upgrade on Thursday after the boom gates at the crossing north of Bendigo came down 15 seconds before the train ran through, rather than the required 25 seconds.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the 12 level crossings would have detection devices fitted “to restore safe, reliable services” to the line, while maintaining “no one was at risk” from the faulty boom gate incident.

Ms Allan said V/Line had suspended services while it investigated the cause of the detection error and the devices, called “axle counters”, would be installed as a result of those investigations.

The works are expected to take between five and seven weeks to complete, during which time coaches will continue to replace trains between Echuca and Bendigo and connect to train services between Bendigo and Melbourne.

“We’re upgrading every active level crossing on the Echuca line to restore services as soon as possible,” Ms Allan said.

“The axle counters will ensure boom gates come down in time, every time – keeping motorists, passengers and staff safe.”

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the new detection devices would ensure the boom gates between Bendigo and Echuca worked as they should, “so we can run the safe, reliable services local passengers deserve”.

For more information visit vline.com.au