Suburban rail line loops in three big interchanges as route firms up
The locations of potential interchange stations and “super hubs” for the $50 billion, 90-kilometre Suburban Rail Loop have been revealed.
The government confirmed on Tuesday it had chosen the “station precinct locations” and established a Suburban Rail Loop Authority to deliver the project which it announced before last November's state election.
There has been no substantial change to the route since then. The three super hub stations, which will allow passengers travelling on regional rail services to get on to suburban loop trains, will be at Clayton, Broadmeadows and Sunshine.
The interchange precincts will be at Glen Waverley, Cheltenham, Clayton, Box Hill, Heidelberg, Reservoir, Fawkner, Broadmeadows, Sunshine, Wyndham Vale and Werribee.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the loop would open in stages.
“This is about connecting communities all the way from the Frankston line right across to the west,” he said.
The rail loop will run from Cheltenham to Werribee with construction to begin in 2022. The stretch from Cheltenham to Box Hill will form the first part of the project.
Mr Andrews said Glen Waverley was chosen as the furthest east “precinct” station because of the land available and opportunities for development.
“That precinct is already under significant development. It’s a big centre of activity.”
The loop will connect major suburban rail lines apart from the Alamein line.
Mr Andrews said it was still too early to know whether property acquisitions would be required.
There will be potential new stations in locations including Monash University, Burwood, Doncaster and Bundoora.
The loop will also form part of the rail link with Melbourne Airport.
Geotechnical work has already begun on the loop.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the Suburban Rail Loop Authority could now begin work on the exact station locations.
She said the authority would start discussions with communities and local councils on the shape of the project.
However, it is unclear when work will begin on a proposed transport link between Monash University’s Caulfield and Clayton campuses despite a $475 million commitment from the federal government.
“You can’t proceed with that project and ignore the fact that the Suburban Rail Loop is being built as well,” Mr Andrews said. “The two need to work together well.”
However, Mr Andrews said the state government would continue working on a business case for the project.