By Laura Michell
A third station will be built on the Mernda rail extension, with the state government agreeing to the community’s request for a station near Hawkstowe Parade in South Morang.
The government initially planned to build stations at Mernda and near Marymede Catholic College in South Morang. But on Tuesday morning, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the project will include a third station.
The three stations are expected to be used by more than 8000 passengers a day.
Construction of the $600 million rail extension will begin next year and trains will be running on the new line by 2019.
Mill Park state MP Lily D’Ambrosio said the addition of a station near Hawkstowe Parade showed the government was listening to the community.
“People said they wanted the third station and we’re getting on with building it. We’re listening to locals and delivering the projects and services that Victorians needs,” she said.
The eight-kilometre Mernda rail extension is expected to create up to 3000- 1200 jobs directly during construction and as many as 1800 indirectly in suppliers and other businesses supported by the project.
Mr Andrews said the extension will support more than 70 ongoing jobs once trains are running.
“The Mernda rail extension will change people’s lives for the better, creating work for thousands of people and connecting one of Australia’s fastest- growing communities to employment, education and the rest of Victoria,” he said.
The extension will be built by John Holland, with the project to include new walking and cycling paths, train stabling in Mernda, better bus connections, extensive bike storage and up to 2000 parking spaces across the three stations.
Information sessions will be held in December, allowing the community to view the latest designs for the project.
More details: levelcrossings.vic.
