By Tate Papworth
A number of Brimbank train stations are set for upgrades as the state government prepares the Sunbury line for new high-capacity trains due to hit the track when the Metro Tunnel is complete.
The $215 million project will deliver platform extensions at every station between Sunbury and Footscray, wheelchair boarding platforms at eight stations, traction power upgrades and improvements to train stabling at Sunbury, Calder Park and Watergardens.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said Sunbury line commuters will be among the biggest beneficiaries from the Metro Tunnel project.
“The contract has been awarded and work will start within weeks. We’re not wasting a moment delivering these vital upgrades, which will pave the way for new, high-capacity trains on the Sunbury line,” she said.
“Sunbury passengers will be some of the biggest beneficiaries of the Metro Tunnel and new high-capacity trains – and this project is a critical part of delivering those benefits.”
The high-capacity trains will be 20 per cent bigger than the trains currently running on the network.
The government says the bigger trains and the Metro Tunnel will allow for an additional 113,000 peak hour passengers on the Sunbury line each week and slash commute times by up to 40 minutes a day.
Site investigations for the platform extensions and stabling upgrades will start later this month, with major works to begin by the end of the year.
