By Kate Bonsack
WORK on the $93-million Laverton railway upgrade started last week and is expected to be completed in 2011.
Transport Minister Lynne Kosky visited the site on Friday to turn the first sod and announce the granting of the contract to John Holland, which will employ 50 local workers for the project.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to create the best transport network in Australia and this project will deliver more services on the Werribee line,” she said.
“Importantly, this, together with the 38 new trains on order, will help reduce overcrowding and improve train reliability.”
The Laverton upgrade, which will add an extra track on the Werribee line and a third platform, will help to reduce bottlenecks that occur at the Altona loop.
Ms Kosky said the Altona loop bottlenecks had been a major issue in her Altona electorate and she was pleased the upgrade would address it.
“At the moment the tracks cross over at Altona loop which causes train delays,” she said.
“By separating the tracks we will be removing this conflict in the system.”
Ms Kosky also said that the upgrade would allow an extra three to four services to be added on the Werribee line during peak times.
“However, this is still being worked out,” she said.
“The peak times are critical for more services, but we are also currently looking at increasing frequency of services during off-peak times.
“More people than ever before are using our public transport network.
“That is why the Victorian Transport Plan sets out major infrastructure works as well as new trains, trams and buses to carry even more passengers.”
The upgrade will also include a new footbridge compliant with disability access guidelines, a new rail bridge over Merton St, and an additional 300 car parking spaces.
For further details visit www.transport.vic.gov.au.
