By Esther Lauaki
Relief for Sunbury commuters is on the horizon thanks to plans for more carparking and improved public transport services.
The state government has confirmed a multi-deck carpark will be built on the western side of Sunbury station, providing 300 new carparks, disability parking, secure storage for cyclists and improved pedestrian access.
Construction of the carpark, on the site of the existing carpark, is expected to begin next year.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull, visiting the station last week with Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, said the carpark would be a solution for one of the most contentious issues in the area.
“We all know that station parking fills up pretty quickly in the morning,” Mr Bull said.
“I’ve been advocating strongly for additional all-day parking spaces, which is why I’m so pleased to be able to share these new plans.
“The current deck between Woolworths and Big W will be extended by adding another level, making it quicker and easier to drive to the station and catch the train.”
Ms Allan said Sunbury commuters would also be among the “biggest winners” from the Metro Tunnel, which aims to slash travel times for local passengers by up to 40 minutes a day – 20 minutes in each direction.
“People in Sunbury often travel or drive long distances to get where they need to go – that’s why we’re not wasting a minute delivering the services they need,” Ms Allan said.
“Whether it’s the Metro Tunnel, adding new services or building hundreds of new carparks, we’re getting on with the projects that will make a real difference for Sunbury
passengers.”
Improved signalling will be rolled out on the Sunbury line in tandem with the Metro Tunnel project, with bigger and longer trains to
run on the line once the tunnel opens, providing capacity for an additional 113,000 passengers.
