Connecting Melbourne Airport to all metropolitan and regional rail lines via Sunshine
Snapshot
8kmof new rail line
3new stations
3,000new jobs
Overview
The Mernda Rail Extension has built a brand new rail line from South Morang to Mernda in Melbourne’s growing north.
Trains began running on the eight-kilometre rail line in August 2018, with three new state-of-the-art stations opened at:
- Middle Gorge, on Williamsons Road in South Morang
- Hawkestowe, on Hawkstowe Parade in South Morang and
- Mernda, on Bridge Inn Road in Mernda.
There are new walking and cycling paths linking the three stations and up to 2,000 new car parking spaces across the entire project.
Around 8,000 people are expected to use the extended line each day.
The project has created around 1,200 construction jobs and more than 1,800 jobs in other industries and businesses.
Project timeline
Planning
No results were found
Procurement
No results were found
Construction
January 2017
Site and geotechnical investigations continue.
February 2017
Site offices established.
Pre-construction surveys underway.
March 2017
Preparatory works start.
April 2017
Environmental and planning approvals obtained.
Approximately 120 environmentally protected Matted Flax lilies relocated.
May 2017
Construction of McDonalds and Plenty roads rail underpasses starts.
June 2017
First beam lifted into place at McDonalds Road.
Preparation work for the construction of Marymede pedestrian underpass starts.
July 2017
Foundation works starts.
Heritage dig in Plenty Gorge Parklands reveals artefacts of original Bridge Inn Hotel.
August 2017
First concrete headstocks which support the elevated rail are installed at Mernda and Hawkstowe.
September 2017
In an Australian industry first, the first of 48 u-trough beams which trains will travel through are installed at the future Mernda Station.
October 2017
Construction of reinforced earth walls along Plenty Road.
First stage of McDonalds and Plenty roads rail underpasses complete.
November 2017
Installation of rail bridge beams across Hawkstowe Parade and Bridge Inn Road.
Commenced installing overhead rail wiring poles from Epping to South Morang to increase power supply for new rail line.
December 2017
Breakthrough under McDonalds Road and South Morang Station forecourt.
Installation of super T beams at South Morang Station.
First track laid in stabling yard.
August 2018
New Mernda line opens to the public.
Latest disruptions
This brand new rail line has connected one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas to the metropolitan train network
More
information
The Level Crossing Removal Authority is overseeing the Mernda Rail Extension. Visit the project website for more information.
