The biggest public transport infrastructure project currently underway anywhere in the country – the Regional Rail Link – is now quickly taking shape following today’s release of the final artist impressions of the new stations being built at Wyndham Vale and Tarneit.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Transport Minister Terry Mulder marked the milestone by inspecting progress on the work that’s well underway at the site of the new Wyndham Vale station, located in the heart of one of Victoria’s fastest growing communities.
“This multibillion dollar project will not only deliver frequent, reliable rail services to Melbourne’s rapidly growing western suburbs, it is also laying the first ever dedicated track for passenger trains servicing Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat,” said Mr Albanese.
“I am delighted to be working with the Victorian Government to build what will be Melbourne’s first new rail line in more than 80 years.  This vital piece of infrastructure will add capacity to the City’s rail network and help alleviate the growing congestion on its roads.
“The record investment we are making here in Melbourne is being replicated nationwide.  We are determined to make our cities even better places to live, work and raise a family, which is why we have doubled the roads budget and committed more to urban public transport than all our predecessors since Federation combined.”
The Federal Government is providing $3.225 billion to assist the Victorian Government in making this vital project a reality.
Mr Mulder said both stations will be co-located with bus interchanges, provide parking spaces for up to 400 vehicles, and fitted out with a range of sustainability features including bicycle storage, solar panels, energy efficient lighting and rain water tanks.
“The new stations will benefit both the environment and the local community,” said Mr Mulder.
“Regional Rail Link will connect the growing communities of Wyndham Vale and Tarneit to the rail network for the first time.
“And because the stations will be in metropolitan Zone 2, passengers will only pay a Zone 1 and 2 fare, rather than a V/line fare.
“On top of building two new railway stations, the project will upgrade four stations and completely rebuild West Footscray station.
“Regional Rail Link is an investment in Victoria’s people, its economy and its future.”
For more information, go to www.regionalraillink.vic.gov.au or follow @rrlproject on twitter.
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