Victoria Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder

Two New Stations With Double The Track

Victor P Taffa

Trains are now officially running to Melbourne’s newest railway stations following the completion of the duplicated track between Keon Park and Epping, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced today.

Mr. Mulder said the first passengers arrived today at the new Epping and Thomastown railway stations to begin using their new station facilities.

“It’s great to see the newly duplicated track between Keon Park and Epping, including the new railway stations at Thomastown and Epping station, fully operational and delivered ahead of schedule.” Mr. Mulder said.

“The newly duplicated track will provide improvements in the on-time reliability and performance for the Epping line.”

“The new railway stations will provide a significant upgrade in facilities for commuters.”

“Anyone who has sat on a train at Keon Park, Lalor or Epping waiting for the single line section of track to clear so they can continue their journey will now see the benefits the new second track will deliver them.”

The first trains to use the new station were the test trains, which made initial trips on the newly duplicated track on Sunday in preparation for the opening day of operations. Starting at Epping and running to the new station at Thomastown and on to Lalor and Keon Park, the test trains gave the new track a final run through ahead of the first passenger train on Monday morning.

The newly duplicated track and stations at Thomastown and Epping are being built as part of the South Morang Rail Extension Project, which also includes a 3.5km double track extension from Epping to South Morang.

Member for Northern Metropolitan Craig Ondarchie Region said there was also good news for residents in Melbourne’s north, with trains to South Morang scheduled to begin in the first half of 2012.

“The arrival of trains at the new Epping railway station also signals the impending completion of the full extension to South Morang.” Mr. Mulder said.

“I’m pleased to announce the new South Morang railway station will be fully operational in time for the new timetable, scheduled for April 2012.”

“Commuters who currently travel from further afield to Epping, Lalor or Thomastown Railway stations will soon have a railway station to call their own.”

The South Morang Rail Extension Project has completed the majority of the track works out to South Morang railway station, with work now continuing on the construction of the station building, 450 new car parks and bus interchange at South Morang, as well as a new stabling yard at the site of the old Epping station.

For more information on the South Morang Rail Extension Project visit www.transport.vic.gov.au