- Published:
- Thursday 19 May 2016
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled the full reference design for the new rail line to Mernda, which will deliver train services to the heart of one of Victoria’s biggest growth areas for the first time.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan released the designs today and announced shortlisted bidders for the $588 million project, fully funded in last month’s Victorian Budget 2016/17.
John Holland, and a McConnell Dowell Constructors/UGL Engineering joint venture, have been shortlisted to submit tenders for the eight-kilometre extension of the South Morang line to Mernda.
A new Premium Station will be built in Mernda, a second will be built near Marymede Catholic College, and bidders have been asked to price a third station near Hawkstowe Parade.
The project will also deliver new train stabling facilities and involves five grade separations, meaning no level crossings will be created by the new line.
The Labor Government is also boosting local bus services, with new Route 381 from South Morang to Diamond Creek via Doreen and Yarrambat beginning earlier this month.
Route 381 is part of a bigger, better local bus network that will begin in July and deliver more reliable, coordinated and extensive services throughout the whole growth corridor from South Morang to Whittlesea.
Today’s announcement comes days after early works began on the duplication of the Hurstbridge line between Heidelberg and Rosanna, which will further improve services for passengers in Melbourne’s growing north.
A contract for the Mernda Rail Extension is expected to be awarded in early 2017, and construction will begin shortly after. The new line will be complete and operational in 2019.
For more information about the project and upcoming consultation sessions, visit www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“This is the first look at Melbourne’s newest rail line, which will deliver trains to booming communities in Melbourne’s north.”
“We’re not just talking about growth, we’re building for it – extending public transport to new communities so they can get to work, school and appointments, and home again at the end of the day safer and sooner.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio
“The last Labor Government extended the line to South Morang, and this Labor Government is extending it again to Mernda, so access to public transport grows as our community grows.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
"I and the local community have fought hard for new trains on Mernda, Hurstbridge and Seymour lines, plus better bus services too, and the Andrews Labor Government is not wasting a moment – we’re getting it done.”