The Andrews Labor Government is today taking the next step to duplicate the Hurstbridge line, building a new Rosanna station, and remove the dangerous and congested level crossings at Lower Plenty and Grange Roads.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines and Member for Eltham Vicki Ward announced today an Alliance of Laing O'Rourke, Fulton Hogan and Jacobs has been selected as the preferred bidder to get this huge package of works done.
Lower Plenty Road in Rosanna and Grange Road in Alphington are two of Melbourne’s most congested level crossings with boom gates down for more than a third of the morning peak, clogging roads in Melbourne’s north eastern suburbs.
Building a second track in the archaic 1.2 kilometre single track section from Rosanna to Heidelberg will allow for more services, reducing crowding, and improving the reliability of the entire Hurstbridge rail line.
Packaging these critical works together will reduce disruption to local residents, businesses and passengers, and mean the benefits of this important project can be delivered sooner.
The preferred bidder will now be able to work with the Level Crossing Removal Authority to continue community consultation, and utilise their expertise to further develop the design options at these sites.
Local residents and businesses will be able to see concept designs and further information about the Lower Plenty Road level crossing removal and Hurstbridge line duplication at drop in sessions at the Rosanna Cub Scouts Hall on:
- Thursday 22 September 6pm-8pm
- Saturday 24 September 10am-12 midday
Construction of the Hurstbridge line projects will commence early next year and is expected to be complete by 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re not wasting a day – moving ahead with a preferred bidder paves the way for construction to commence next year, so we can give people better train services and safer roads sooner.”
“The level crossings at Rosanna and Alphington are among the worst in Melbourne, clogging up roads in the north eastern suburbs – that’s why we’re getting rid of them.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“Feedback from local residents and businesses will be vital to help inform engineering experts on the best design options that will work best for our local community.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“This is an exciting project, benefiting every passenger on the Hurstbridge line, helping to improve reliability and enabling us to increase train services. We've been waiting a very long time for a train line that reflects the needs of our community. It's fantastic that it is finally happening.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020