Victorian Government has announced that next month test trains will be launched on Mernda Rail, six months ahead of schedule. The train will arrive in Mernda for the first time in nearly 60 years since the line was closed. Mernda line is situated in the Melbourne’s north region, one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas.
“ This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken here in South Morang and Mernda and we’re getting it done, months ahead of schedule,” Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.
Currently, the construction crews are installing the final section of track in the Plenty Road area, allowing the first test train to arrive in Mernda in July, collecting data to inform the new timetable as it travels up the line. More than 25,000 cubic metres of rock underneath Plenty Road has been removed, and more than 700 workers are currently on site helping to complete critical works ahead of testing and commissioning the new line.
To deliver Mernda line, the project envisaged the extension of the line from Epping to South Morang. The eight kilometre new Mernda Rail will deliver better transport and facilities for locals, served with three new stations, community and open spaces, better connections for pedestrians and cyclists and improved access.
The three new stations are expected to cater for up to 8000 commuters a day, helping to ease congestion along Plenty Road. An additional 40 car spaces are being built at the new Hawkstowe Station, increasing the number of car parks at this station to 397, and the total number of car spaces to 2,000.
When the Mernda rail extension opens later this year passengers will have access to 982 services every week, with details of dates and timetables to be finalised in coming months.
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