Melbourne’s rail network has been extended by eight kilometres through the $600 million rail extension to Mernda, six months ahead of schedule.
Three new stations at Hawkstowe, Middle Gorge and Mernda are part of the project, which too 18 months to complete and saw the creation of 1200 job in construction and 1800 jobs in other industries.
The stations aim to cater for up to 8000 commuters a day, with 2000 new car parks to help ease congestion along Plenty Road. New shared pedestrian and cycling paths will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options.
It aims to make commuting easier for residents in Melbourne’s outer suburbs and will give passengers access to 982 services to the city each week. A new timetable has also been released for Melbourne which sees the introduction of 190 new metropolitan train services every week across the city.
Two new and seven realigned bus routes will also now connect passengers with the three new stations on the Mernda line, formerly the South Morang line.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the government had returned trains to Mernda for the first time in 60 years.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said, “We know Mernda Rail will change the way people live, work and travel from Melbourne’s north. We’ve delivered yet another rail project where it’s needed most.”
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