A pair of bidders have been shortlisted to build a $588 million extension of Melbourne’s South Morang line to the growing north-east suburb of Mernda.
The Mernda Rail Extension will extend the Metro Trains Melbourne network with two (potentially three) new train stations along eight kilometres of duplicated rail line.
John Holland and a joint venture of McConnell Dowell Constructors and UGL Engineering were named to the shortlist to deliver the project on Thursday.
The winning bidder will extended the rail line north-east from its current terminus at South Morang station, to a new terminus at Mernda, via a new station at Marymede.
Bidders have also been asked to price a potential new station at Hawkstowe, between Marymede and Mernda.
The contract also includes the construction of new train stabling facilities at Mernda.
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Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Authority is directing the project.
Designs revealed on Thursday show the line will mostly be at grade, with some sections on raised embankments. The plan shows five grade separations – either elevated rail or sunk into the ground – where the line will cross highways, roads and rivers along the planned route.
Victorian public transport minister Jacinta Allan said the grade separations meant no new level crossings would be built.
Allan said a contract will be awarded early next year, with construction to begin shortly afterwards. First operations are targeted for 2019.
“We’re not just talking about growth, we’re building for it,” the minister said, “extending public transport to new communities so they can get to work, school and appointments, and home again at the end of the day safer and sooner.”