Ministerial Statement: FIRST SOD TURNED ON $153 MILLION WESTALL RAIL UPGRADE

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Media release
                                 
From the Minister for Public Transport

Thursday, 27 January, 2009

FIRST SOD TURNED ON $153 MILLION WESTALL RAIL UPGRADE

Major works started today on the $153 million Westall Rail Upgrade with Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula turning the first sod of the project that includes a major upgrade of Westall station and extra tracks to pave the way for more peak hour services.

Mr Pakula said the project included improvements to passenger amenities, an additional 83 car parks and the removal of three pedestrian level crossings.

"The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to create the best transport network in Australia so Victorians can spend less time commuting and more time with their families," Mr Pakula said.

"The start of works at Westall Station is the first step in delivering this important project that will deliver significant benefits to the entire Dandenong rail corridor, including passenger's right along the line to Pakenham and Cranbourne.

"Today, I am also releasing new designs for Westall station with DDA compliant access including lifts and total rebuild of the station buildings with more seating and improved lighting.

"We also know security is a concern for some train users and that is why the station will have full digital CCTV that can be accessed in real time by Victoria Police."

Mr Pakula said the Dandenong line corridor carried more than 50,000 commutes every weekday. This project will cater for that with the construction of five new stabling yards which when complete and combined with the 38 new trains on order will allow for more peak services from Westall station.

"Trains will be able to start from Westall and stations towards the city will benefit from less crowded trains and a more reliable service," he said.

Member for Clayton Hong Lim said the project was another demonstration of the Brumby Labor Government's commitment to deliver improvements to rail services.

"Stations right along the line will benefit from increases in frequencies and better reliability," Mr Lim said.

"Passengers will be spread across rail services coming from Pakenham, Cranbourne, Dandenong and of course at Westall.

"I know these changes will be embraced by the local community and provide more choice for people of when they travel.

Buses will replace trains between Oakleigh and Springvale stations between January 30 and 31. Customer service staff will be at stations to assist during these periods.

Works on the Westall Rail Upgrade are expected to be completed in 2011.

For more information about the Westall Rail Upgrade, visit www.transport.vic.gov.au/projects