Construction has commenced on the $600 million Mernda Rail Extension project in Victoria which will extend the South Morang line to Mernda.
Over the next few weeks, construction crews will be establishing work areas as well as remove vegetation and prepare the rail corridor for major construction which is set to begin later in 2017.
“This massive project will change people’s lives for the better – creating thousands of jobs and connecting one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas to the public transport they deserve.
“The project is fully funded, construction is underway and we’re not wasting a moment getting on with it,” said Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan.
As part of the project, eight-kilometres of new, duplicated track as well as three state-of-the-art stations at Mernda, Hawkstowe and near Marymede Catholic College will be built. The new stations are expected to service up to 8,000 passengers each day once they open for operations in early 2019.
The project will also involve the construction of new cycling and walking paths, better bus connections, and a train stabling facility in Mernda. An extensive bike storage and up to 2,000 new car parking spaces spread out across the three new stations are included in the project as well.
“The community fought for this project and now we are delivering it – to bring frequent, reliable services to the heart of our growing community,” said Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green.
The Mernda Rail Extension project is expected to create up to 3,000 jobs – 1,200 direct jobs for construction and approximately 1,800 indirect jobs for local businesses and industries which are supported by the project’s development. Once trains are operational, over 70 ongoing jobs are expected to be supported.
This extension project will also create employment for young workers as well as re-skilling workers from other industries, with up to 10 per cent of work to be carried out by apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets.
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Source: Premier of Victoria