- Published:
- Saturday 27 February 2016
The Andrews Labor Government today opened Expressions of Interest to design and construct the new rail line to Mernda.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined local members Danielle Green and Lily D’Ambrosio on the future site of the new Mernda Station to release the project to market today.
The rail extension includes a premium station at Mernda, integrated with the proposed Mernda Town Centre, and a new station near Marymede Catholic College with extensive car parking, bike storage and bus facilities.
Marymede was chosen as the first station due to its far greater car parking capacity, proximity to schools and local jobs, and because of the opportunities for value capture and partnership with the private sector.
However, given the strong community support for a third station, bidders will be required to investigate and price the proposed station near Hawkstowe Parade as part of the tender process.
The project will be delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Authority and will include five grade separations, guaranteeing no new level crossings are created by the new rail line. Stabling facilities for trains north of Bridge Inn Road in Mernda will also be built as part of the project.
A new bus network will be introduced in April, providing better public transport for locals living in Mernda, Doreen, South Morang and Whittlesea.
Expressions of Interest will be open for four weeks. The tender process will follow during 2016, with construction to begin in 2017 and be completed in 2019, creating hundreds of jobs during construction.
Early project design concepts are now available for feedback, which can be provided at community information sessions now underway or by visiting www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/merndarail.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Mernda Rail will deliver trains to the heart of one of Melbourne’s fastest growing communities for the first time.”
“Labor extended the line to South Morang, and now we’re delivering world class public transport all the way to Mernda – because we believe that’s what every Victorian deserves.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Whether they live in Mernda, Mordialloc or Morwell, the Andrews Labor Government is investing more in public transport than any government in Victoria’s history, to get people home safer and sooner.”
Quotes attributed to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“This new train line is desperately needed, to support this growing community. It will drive the completion of the Mernda Town Centre, and will mean less time commuting and more time with family”
Quotes attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio
“It was the former Labor Government who extended the Epping line to South Morang, and it will be the Andrews Labor Government that builds Mernda Rail.”