Works to unclog a major bottleneck on Melbourne’s rail network are well progressed with the first of 22 holes bored to support a second rail bridge over the Merri Creek between Clifton Hill and Westgarth stations.
Inspecting the construction site of the $52 million project, Premier John Brumby said when completed the bridge would provide additional track capacity and improve reliability on the Epping and Hurstbridge lines.
“We know our metropolitan rail network is more popular then ever before and that is why works such as these add extra capacity and remove pressure points help cater for more growth and services,” Mr Brumby said.
He said the project was further proof of the Victorian Government taking action to create jobs across the state.
“Our top 20 infrastructure projects either currently underway or delivered in the past year have created more than 17,500 direct jobs for Victorians,” Mr Brumby said.
“Well over 300 people will be working on the Clifton Hill project and let’s remember that several thousand CBD workers will use the new rail bridge every single day when it’s complete.
“Projects like the new Clifton Hill bridge signal our commitment to fund infrastructure projects and in the last eight years, we invested over $20 billion in infrastructure for all Victorians. On top of that, our 2008-09 Budget total estimated investment is $4.4 billion.”
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said 35,000 passengers use the Epping and Hurstbridge lines each weekday and the project would deliver significant benefits to commuters on both lines.
“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,” Ms Kosky said.
“It will also allow more morning peak train services in future and will lay the foundation for the extension of the Epping line to South Morang.
“It will also allow more morning peak train services in future and will lay the foundation for the extension of the Epping line to South Morang."
“From November Epping and Hurstbridge line trains will begin running one way through the City Loop all day removing a pressure point at Jolimont.”