By Laura Michell
Work to improve Victoria’s worst train station has started.
Construction sites have been set up at Donnybrook station which is undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade to improve access, safety and comfort for passengers.
The work is part of a $24 million state government package, which will also include upgrades to Wallan station.
A new 150-space carpark will be created at Donnybrook in a bid to take pressure off nearby Spring Road.
The upgrade will also include the extension of the city-bound platform to allow passengers to board and disembark trains from all doors, a new ramp at the station to improve accessibility, two new sheltered bus bays within the station precinct, and improved CCTV on the platforms.
Donnybrook station was rated the worst in Victoria in RACV’s latest On Track Survey, with commuters rating it 3.41 out of 10.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the upgrade would improve Donnybrook station for the rapidly growing community.
“There will be changes to station access and car parking to enable works to progress safely, and we ask station users to follow all signage in place while our crews get on with safely building the upgrades,” she said.
Yuroke MP Ros Spence said Kalkallo locals will especially welcome the train station upgrade, with increasing numbers of Kalkallo residents using the station.
The upgrade is expected to be completed in early 2020.
As part of the works, buses will replace trains on the Seymour line on June 15, 16, 29 and 30. Passengers are advised to allow for an extra 50 minutes travel time.
