The Government of Victoria in Australia has shortlisted John Holland and a McConnell Dowell Constructors UGL Engineering joint venture as the preferred bidder for the A$588m ($424m) Mernda project.
Victoria’s Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan has unveiled the full reference design and bidders will now submit tenders for the 8km extension of the South Morang line.
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Delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Authority, the new project will include a new premium station in Mernda and a second near Marymede Catholic College. The government has asked bidders to price a third station near Hawkstowe Parade.
New train stabling facilities will also be delivered, which involves five grade separations.
The contract is expected to be awarded in early next year with construction slated to begin shortly after. The new line is set to complete and come on stream in 2019.
Jacinta Allan said: "This is the first look at Melbourne’s newest rail line, which will deliver trains to booming communities in Melbourne’s north."
"We’re not just talking about growth, we’re building for it, extending public transport to new communities so they can get to work, school, appointments, and home again at the end of the day safer and sooner."
Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio said: "The last Labor Government extended the line to South Morang, and this Labor Government is extending it again to Mernda, so access to public transport grows as our community grows."
Image: Full reference design revealed for the new rail line to Mernda. Photo: courtesy of Premier of Victoria.
