A $13.5 million contract has been awarded following the commencement of works on the Clifton Hill project which started in February.

“This signals the Brumby Government’s pledge to remove a major bottleneck which affects the Epping and Hurstbridge lines,” Ms Kosky said.

Currently all Hurstbridge trains and some Epping trains are forced to merge onto a single track at the Clifton Hill junction causing delays.

“With around 35,000 commuters using the Epping and Hurstbridge lines each weekday, this project will deliver significant benefits to commuters on both lines,” Ms Kosky said.

“Commuters who travel on the Epping and Hurstbridge line know the frustration of having to sit on the train waiting for the line ahead to clear.”

“Duplicating the track between Clifton Hill and Westgarth station will remove this bottleneck and commuters will see the improvements in the on-time reliability and efficiency of trains.

“It will also allow for up to six extra morning peak train services in future and will lay the foundation for an extension of the Epping line to South Morang.”

The $13.5 million contract awarded to John Holland Rail includes:

• Construction of 750 metres of second track between Clifton Hill and Westgarth stations;
• Construction of a new rail bridge that is designed to complement and honour its urban, environmental and heritage context; and
• Reinstatement and improvements to pedestrian and bike access in the area, including between the Merri Creek and Clifton Hill stations; and
• Upgrades to pedestrian level crossings with four pedestrian level crossings to be upgraded to “active” crossings, complete with automatic gates with audible warnings.

A separate contract will be let for landscaping and revegetation with appropriate native plants to deliver improvements to the existing Merri Creek environment.

The Clifton Hill Rail Project is a key part of the Brumby Government’s 10-year, $10.5 billion transport blueprint, Meeting Our Transport Challenges which is delivering major improvements to ensure Victoria keeps pace with the state’s growing and changing transport needs.

For more information about the Clifton Hill Rail Project visit www.transport.vic.gov.au

Works at Clifton Hill are scheduled to be completed by 2010.