Early works have begun on the Andrews Labor Government’s transformation of the Hurstbridge line.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan near Heidelberg today, where geotechnical and site investigations are being carried out to help start the construction of a second track between Heidelberg and Rosanna.
Last month’s Victorian Budget 2016/17 provided $140 million to duplicate the line and build a new tunnel alongside the existing tunnel in Heidelberg, so trains can run in both directions at once for the first time.
This notorious single section of track holds back the entire line – limiting the number of services as trains are forced to wait for trains to pass in the opposite direction.
Power and signalling on the line will also receive a major upgrade as part of the project, which will reduce delays, improve reliability, and allow more trains in peak hour.
In addition to this project, the dangerous and congested level crossings at Grange Road in Alphington and Lower Plenty Road in Rosanna will be removed.
These crossings are amongst Melbourne’s worst, with boom gates down at both locations for around half-an-hour in the two-hour morning peak, holding up traffic and putting lives at risk.
The geotechnical investigations will involve drilling 100mm holes up to 25 metres deep near the intersections of Burgundy Street and Studley Road, and Darebin and Hawdon Street, in Heidelberg.
These investigations will provide information about the ground conditions at the site, which will inform the design of the project, and how it is constructed.
The geotechnical and site survey works will take around four weeks. Construction of the project will start before the end of the year and be finished by 2019.
Investigations, planning and design work will also begin into duplication of another single section of track between Greensborough and Eltham.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This notorious single section of track needs duplicating for passengers in the north east to have the frequent and reliable services they deserve – we’re getting it done, and work starts now.”
“Removing this notorious bottleneck means we can run more trains in peak hour when we need them most.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan
“Melbourne’s north is growing and we’re building for that growth – transforming the Hurstbridge line and extending the South Morang Line to Mernda.”
“We’re delivering trains more often so people spend less time on platforms and more time with family and friends.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020