Trains to roll into Mernda for the first time in 60 years next month

THE LONG-awaited $600 million rail line extension to Mernda, to include three new stations in Melbourne’s booming far north, is nearing completion, with test trains to run on the new 8km line next week.

THE LONG-awaited $600 million rail line extension to Mernda, to include three new stations in Melbourne’s booming far north, is nearing completion, with test trains to run on the new 8km line next week.

Buses will replace trains between Clifton Hill and South Morang from the evening of Friday June 29 to last service on Sunday July 1 to clear the tracks for testing.

The test trains will be the first to arrive in Mernda in 60 years.

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Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, who yesterday made the announcement alongside north Melbourne state Labor MPs, said the project was six months ahead of schedule.

The first trains in 60 years will soon roll into Mernda.

“This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken here in South Morang and Mernda and we’re getting it done months ahead of schedule,” Ms Allan said.

About 700 construction workers are now installing the final section of track in the Plenty Rd area, following the removal of 25,000 cubic metres of rock underneath the road.

The 8km extension from South Morang to Mernda will include three new stations at Middle Gorge, Hawkestowe and Mernda.

Earlier this month the State Government announced 115 new weekday services would run from South Morang to Mernda, making room for 115,000 new passengers.

The extension is due to open in September.

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