By Jessica Micallef
Major works on the Sunbury line are expected to begin by the end of the year.
The Sunbury line upgrade was funded in the 2019-20 state budget and includes more than $200 million towards platform extensions at stations between Sunbury and Footscray, wheelchair boarding platforms at eight stations, traction power upgrades and improvements to train stabling at Sunbury, Calder Park and Watergardens.
The project will also pave the way for the fleet of 65 new high-capacity Metro trains to run all the way to Sunbury when the Metro Tunnel is completed, expected to be by 2025.
Site investigations for platform extensions and stabling upgrades along the route will start later this month.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the high-capacity trains would help reduce congestion and carry an extra 113,000 passengers during peak travel hours.
“Work will start within weeks,” she said. “We’re not wasting a moment delivering these vital upgrades, which will pave the way for new, high-capacity trains on the Sunbury line.
“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.”
