The Andrews Labor Government has added a pedestrian overpass to the design of the brand new Mernda station that will be built as part of the extension of the South Morang line.

Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio announced today that $7.4 million from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund will go towards a pedestrian overpass, which is being built as part of the Mernda Rail Extension.

The pedestrian overpass will mean commuters can catch their train more quickly and avoid crossing busy Bridge Inn Road to get to the station.

Construction will commence in the coming months, with a site office now established to house up to 150 project staff at 323 McDonalds Road, Epping.

Three new state-of-the-art stations will be built as part of the eight-kilometre extension of the rail line – at Mernda, Hawkstowe and near Marymede Catholic College.

The new stations will open to the public in 2019 and are expected to be used by around 8,000 commuters every day.

The $588 million Labor Government project will also deliver new train stabling north of Bridge Inn Road, walking and cycling paths between all stations, and up to 2,000 car parking spaces.

GAIC provides critical funding for infrastructure in Melbourne’s growing outer suburbs, ensuring health, education, public transport and other services grow as these communities do.

The Labor Government has established a new, annual process for the expenditure of GAIC funds – a one-off contribution payable by landowners developing urban housing in Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham Shires.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio

“The pedestrian overpass at Mernda station has been made possible by our Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution, which is funding critical infrastructure in growing suburbs like Mernda, Doreen and South Morang.”

“This project will connect thousands of people in Melbourne’s north to train services and I can’t wait to see construction start.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

“The pedestrian overpass will make it quicker, easier and safer to catch the train from the new Mernda Station.”

“It means passengers won’t have to cross busy Bridge Inn Road to get to the platform, improving both safety and traffic flow.”