The new eight-kilometre Mernda Rail Extension, complete with three new stations, opened for passengers today – around six months ahead of schedule.
The first passenger train to the city from Mernda departed in the early hours of the morning, with many eager locals and curious rail fans out in force to see it and ride Melbourne’s newest rail line.
The new Mernda Station will give passengers access to 982 services to the city every week, with two new and seven realigned bus routes connecting passengers to the three new stations on the Mernda line.
The three new stations are expected to cater for up to 8000 commuters a day, helping to ease congestion along Plenty Road. New shared walking and cycling paths will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options.
The opening of the new line is the result of almost 18 months of works along the rail corridor. Finishing touches, such as landscaping around the stations, will continue to be made while the train line is operational.
Three new community spaces have been built at Hawkstowe Station, The Parkway and Mernda Station – the latter featuring a much-anticipated skate park.
About 2000 car spaces have been built across the three stations, as well as bicycle storage facilities and walking and cycling paths connecting each station. The walking and cycling path will be complete in the coming weeks. While we complete these works, a temporary path will provide connection between The Parkway and Hawkstowe Station. View a map of the temporary path route.
For timetable information please visit ptv.vic.gov.au.
