Construction of the Mernda Rail Extension is gathering pace.
Latest works on the $600 million project to extend the train line from South Morang to Mernda, with new stations at Marymede, Hawkstowe Parade and Mernda, include the excavation of McDonalds and Plenty road.
Bridge beams have been installed at McDonalds Road, where the rail extension will travel under the road.
Construction crews have also begun moving 50 beams that are about the length of a swimming pool and weigh up to 100 tonnes into place in Mernda.
The beams will be used to support the elevated platform at Mernda station.
Site offices have also been established near the sites of the three new stations, while initial work such as tree removal, have also been completed.
The eight-kilometre extension is being built by John Holland and is expected to be finished in 2019.
The project is expected to create up to 300 jobs during construction and more than 70 jobs once trains are running.
