Melbourne’s iconic train stations are set to receive much needed accessibility, safety and security upgrades, giving passengers better facilities.
“We’re getting things done – building the metro tunnel, removing level crossing and investing in vital infrastructure upgrades across the city to get people home safer and sooner, every day,” Acting Premier James Merlino said.
Construction has begun on a new direct entrance to Flinders Street Station’s Platform 10 from Southbank’s Riverside Walk, which is part of the $100 million Flinders Street Station redevelopment project.
The new entrance is set to provide another fully-accessible entry to the train station, easing congestion through the Elizabeth Street subway.
“Flinders Street is the heart of our train system and the heart of our city – we’re restoring it and making it more accessible, safe and user friendly for passengers,” Mr Merlino said.
Works are also underway on the Jewell Station Precinct project, which will provide better passenger access as well as increased bike parking and upgrades to the precinct’s Upfield bike path. Jewell Station’s commuter car park is going to be permanently closed on 18th January and the Upfield shared user path is going to be diverted through the precinct in order to allow works to take place.
The Victorian Government is also investing approximately $134 million on safety and security upgrades to the City Loop.
RCR Tomlinson – which was awarded a $70 million contract – will be delivering major improvements to fire safety systems to three City Loop stations as part of this project. Works will include new platform smoke extraction systems as well as upgraded station sprinklers and better passenger information in an event of a fire.
“We continue to see growth in our pipeline of rail infrastructure projects and this award clearly shows RCR’s capability to support a range of complex rail systems projects.
“We look forward to working with MTM (Metro Trains Melbourne) to deliver a safe and reliable project,” RCR Managing Director and CEO Dr Paul Dalgleish said.
This City Loop project will also involve a new alarm system that will provide improved reliability as well as reduce delays by installing an additional 240 CCTV cameras and immediate notifications to train operators when a trespasser gets onto the tracks.
Works are already underway on the new alarm system, with the entire City Loop project expected to be completed by 2019.
“More than 111,000 people use Melbourne’s City Loop each day – these vital upgrades will continue to keep them safe and ensure they have a reliable journey.
“The transformation of Jewell Station means the historic station building will provide new shops, services and community spaces for everyone to enjoy,” Acting Minister for Public Transport Luke Donnellan said.
These train station upgrades are part of the Victorian Government’s $30 billion program that will boost capacity, reduce congestion as well as deliver the transport network that the State expects and deserves.
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Source: Premier of Victoria, RCR Tomlinson