Shortlisted bidders and design of Mernda rail extension revealed
The Victorian Government last week unveiled the full reference design and announced the shortlisted bidders for the new rail line to Mernda, which involves an eight-kilometre extension of the South Morang line to Mernda.
John Holland and a McConnell Dowell Constructors/UGL Engineering joint venture have been shortlisted to submit tenders for the $588 million project, which was fully funded in last month’s Victorian Budget 2016/17.
Approximately eight kilometres of dual tracks and two new stations will be constructed, one at the future Mernda town centre and the second near Marymede Catholic College. The shortlisted bidders have also been asked to price a third station near Hawkstowe Parade.
The project also involves five grade separations, which will ensure that no level crossing will be created by the new line, and stabling facilities for trains will be created north of Bridge Inn Road, Mernda.
Up to 1,500 car spaces across Mernda and Marymede train stations and bicycle storage and bus facilities will also be available at the stations
The Mernda rail extension announcement follows the start of early works on the duplication of the Hurstbridge line between Heidelberg and Rosanna, which will further improve services for passengers in Melbourne’s growing north.
A contract for the Mernda Rail Extension is expected to be awarded in early 2017, and construction will begin shortly after. The new line will be complete and operational in 2019.
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, May 22, 2016