Work has begun on the $600 million Mernda Rail Extension in Melbourne’s north-east.
Victorian public transport minister Jacinta Allan said on Tuesday construction had begun on the rail line, which will carry trains to one of the state’s fastest growing areas.
“This massive project will change people’s lives for the better, creating thousands of jobs and connecting Victoria’s fastest growing areas to the public transport they deserve,” Allan said.
The project includes building three new stations, three rail bridges and two underpasses, as well as a train stabling yard at the end of the line.
John Holland holds the contract.
Over the coming weeks, work areas will be established, vegetation will be removed, and the rail corridor will be prepared for major construction to ramp up later this year.
The minister says the project will create up to 3000 jobs – 1200 directly during construction, and “as many as 1800 indirectly and in local businesses and industries supported by the project”.
“The project is fully funded,” Allan said.
“Construction is underway and we’re not wasting a moment getting on with it.”
Allan was joined by local member Danielle Green in Mernda to launch construction.
“The community fought for this project and now we are delivering it,” Green said.
“[It will] bring frequent, reliable services to the heart of our growing community.”