- Published:
- Friday 3 November 2017
The Andrews Labor Government will build a brand new train station at Toolern to service Melbourne’s booming outer-western suburbs.
The new station between Rockbank and Melton will be funded by the Labor Government’s Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) and ready to take passengers by late 2019.
Toolern is set to grow rapidly and needs a train station with its current population of around 1,000 expected to soar to 55,000 in coming decades. Around 2,000 passengers will use the station from 2021.
The new station will be located near Ferris Road in Melton South, and include car parking, a bus interchange, bike storage. Locals will get an opportunity to have their say on the station’s concept designs in comings weeks.
The new station builds on the Labor Government’s massive upgrade of the line through Melbourne’s west, which will duplicate 18 kilometres of track, paving the way for future electrification to Melton.
Rockbank Station will be rebuilt with new facilities and more than 300 new car parks. Additional platforms and pedestrian links will also be built at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan, giving both stations a second platform to boost capacity and allow trains to easily pass each other.
A consortium of Lendlease, Coleman Rail and SMEC has been announced as the preferred bidder to deliver the project.
Early construction works kicked off last month, with station upgrades and track duplication to begin next year and the project to be complete by late 2019.
Quote attributable to the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re delivering more frequent and reliable services for Melbourne's growing western suburbs - helping passengers get to where they need to go.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“We know the population in Melbourne’s outer west is booming. That’s why we’re planning for and delivering the public transport options they need now and in the future as they grow.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio
“Unlike the do-nothing previous government, we’re getting on with delivering important transport infrastructure to help ease congestion in our growing outer suburbs.”