V/Line trains will return to service North East passengers next week, but there is a hitch

The trains have been replaced with buses since the evening of January 29 when a derailment at Barnawartha damaged tracks.

However, in the meantime a hut near Wallan has burnt down, affecting the signalling system between Donnybrook and Kilmore East.

As a result, passengers are being advised to allow for an extra 45 minutes for trips.

Repairs to the signal hut are expected to take two to three weeks to complete.

"We thank passengers for their patience while we keep trains moving while works continue to rebuild the signal hut in Wallan," a V/Line spokesman said.

XPT services have already resumed to Melbourne following the reopening of the line south of Barnawartha late on Thursday.