The first test train has pulled into the new Mernda Station today, around 60 years since the last train ran along the former Whittlesea Line.
One X’Trapolis train ran up and down the new Mernda Line today between South Morang and Mernda – testing the track, overhead wiring and rail infrastructure.
The train was fitted with a GPS device to measure the distance between each of the 3 new stations on the line: Middle Gorge, Hawkstowe and Mernda. This will help to determine the new train timetable before passenger trains can run later this year.
Over the next few days, the test trains will finish running to make way for construction teams to return to the track and continue work on the station buildings, platforms and fit-outs, car parks, shared user path and fencing.
After works in the rail corridor are complete, driver training can begin along the new rail line.
When the Mernda Rail Extension opens later this year, passengers will have access to 982 services every week, with details of dates and timetables to be finalised soon.