Stations at Donnybrook and Wallan on the northern outskirts of Melbourne will receive upgrades as part of the joint Commonwealth and Victorian Government funded Regional Rail Revival program.
$24 million from the $1.57 billion program will go towards the station upgrades, which will include platform extensions to accommodate longer trains and works improve passenger accessibility and achieve better integration between transport modes. State transport minister Jacinta Allan joined Labor MP for Yan Yean Danielle Green in unveiling plans for the two stations.
“We’re not wasting any time getting to work to deliver the facilities these growing communities need,” Allan said.
“We’re investing in these stations and are delivering improvements to make sure they’re safe and comfortable for passengers.”
The platforms servicing Melbourne-bound trains will be extended to accommodate six-carriage trains, allowing passengers to enter and exit from all carriage doors and reducing the length of time trains stop at the station.
Donnybrook Station’s carpark will be expanded, with more than double parking spaces installed, while new passenger shelters and two new bus bays will be constructed. Springs Road will also be reconfigured to enable commuters easier access between the station and the carpark and bus bays. New CCTV and lighting with also be installed on the station platforms and in the upgraded carpark.
Wallan Station’s waiting room will be extended, while new bathrooms, shelters, additional bus bays and bicycle facilities will be constructed.
“Donnybrook and Wallan are important parts of the public transport network and we’re improving the stations to deliver better facilities for passengers,” Danielle Green said.
VicTrack will deliver the construction on behalf of Rail Projects Victoria and will soon be appointing a contractor for the work. The Request for Tender process will start in the coming weeks.
The upgrades are expected to be complete by 2020.