- Published:
- Sunday 26 August 2018
The brand new eight-kilometre Mernda Rail extension, complete with three new stations, has opened for passengers today — six months ahead of schedule.
The $600 million rail extension with three new stations at Mernda, Hawkstowe and Middle Gorge is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s investment in our rapidly growing outer suburbs, making it easier for families in Melbourne’s north to travel to work, school or uni, or to visit family and friends.
The new line is the result of almost 18 months of construction work along the rail corridor that has seen around 1,200 construction jobs created and more than 1,800 jobs created in other industries. More than 100 young apprentices, cadets and trainees have worked on site, many for whom this has been their first role in the industry.
Finishing touches, such as landscaping around the stations, will continue to be made over coming months.
The three new stations are expected to cater for up to 8,000 commuters a day, using 2,000 new car parks to help ease congestion along Plenty Road. New shared walking and cycling paths will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options.
Three new community spaces have been built at Hawkstowe Station, The Parkway and Mernda Station, which also includes a much-anticipated skate park.
Mernda Station will give passengers access to 982 services to the city every week, with two new and seven realigned bus routes connecting passengers with the three new stations on the Mernda line.
Additionally, passengers across Melbourne will have more trains, more often, with the new train timetable starting today. The new timetable will see the introduction of 190 new metropolitan train services every week and hundreds of extended services across Melbourne's north, west and south east.
It was a Labor Government that first extended the line from Epping to South Morang and the Andrews Labor Government that has delivered this new rail line ahead of schedule and within budget.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We said we’d return trains to Mernda for the first time in 60 years – and that’s exactly what we’ve done. Only Labor can be trusted to deliver the new rail, trains and stations Victorians need.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We know Mernda Rail will change the way people live, work and travel from Melbourne’s north. We’ve delivered yet another rail project where it’s needed most.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“What an exciting day for residents of Mernda, Doreen and surrounding areas who now have almost 1,000 services a week, plus a new bus network, together with walking and cycling paths to link up to the stations.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio
“I’ve witnessed the construction progress since April last year and spoken to many workers on site. I’d like to thank them for their hard work on Mernda Rail, and I know our community thanks them too.”