Article: Doncaster rail line study under way

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

Doncaster rail line study under way

Doncaster rail line study under way
Reid Sexton
October 26, 2011

THE long-proposed rail line to Doncaster is a step closer with a multimillion-dollar feasibility study beginning this week.

Public transport advocates have welcomed the move, saying the rail line would slash the travel times for thousands of Melburnians.

The Coalition promised the project just weeks before last year's state election, outlining plans that would see it link Doncaster with the city via Clifton Hill and leave open the option of an extension to Ringwood in the east. It declined to cost the full project until a route was identified and refused to rule out acquiring homes.
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The launch of the project also ignores recommendations contained in Sir Rod Eddington's report into Victorian transport in 2008, which said the area would be better served by buses than rail.

The two-year, $6.5 million study will be conducted by engineers URS, who will identify a shortlist of routes and assess their impacts.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said the project was first promised by the Victorian government in 1969 and the decades-long delay had created traffic problems in the area. ''The Doncaster line would provide relief from traffic on the Eastern Freeway and Hoddle Street and would be very welcome by local residents,'' he said.

Transport Minister Terry Mulder said yesterday the study would involve close consultation with local councils.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/doncaster-rail-line-study-under-way-20111025-1mi5q.html

[O_128]

another project for CRR to compete with...yay

[Golliwog]

another project for CRR to compete with...yay

Not really. The article says they only just started the feasability study which will go for 2 years. If that time has passed and CRR still hasn't got funding we have bigger problems.

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Times Weekly click here!

Rail study could mean more trains to Clifton Hill

Rail study could mean more trains to Clifton Hill
BY ALANA SCHETZER ALANA.SCHETZER@FAIRFAX.COM.AU
08 Nov, 2011 01:00 AM

THE proposed rail line to Doncaster may be built from Flinders Street station via Clifton Hill, the state government announced last week.

The government released its long-awaited terms of reference for the proposed rail study, which details several possible routes.

The proposed route is one of several to be considered, as well as a route from Melbourne Central via Victoria Park and the Eastern Freeway to Doncaster.

As part of the study, local governments, community groups and public transport advocates will be consulted.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the study would be a "major undertaking".

"Extensive investigations are required to provide a full assessment of what constructing a new rail line to Doncaster would involve," Mr Mulder said.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said frustrated residents were eager for the report to be completed.

"It's good it's progressing," Mr Bowen said.

"People are looking for relief from the traffic, particularly on the Eastern Freeway. It wouldn't be before time."

A rail link to Doncaster has been in the pipeline for more than 100 years.

In a 1969 state transport study, a rail line was recommended in conjunction with building the Eastern Freeway.

The government committed $6.5 million towards the study earlier this year. However the funding does not guarantee the rail line will be built.

The study is being undertaken as part of a broad investigation into Melbourne's public transport, including the proposed Melbourne Airport rail link and Rowville rail feasibility study.

The study is expected to be completed by 2013.