Works are continuing to upgrade one of the last remaining gravel car parks on Melbourne’s metropolitan train network, as part of an Andrews Labor Government investment at Merlynston Station.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said the work would deliver around 300 new and upgraded car spaces at the station, including further accessible parking for the 390,000 commuters who use the station each year. The new spaces will free up parking in neighbouring streets, making it safer and easier for locals to catch the train.
Upgrades to lighting and CCTV will also improve safety for commuters, while new bicycle parking facilities will encourage commuters to ride their bike to the station.
The eastern car park is set to open in late 2022 and final project completion expected in mid-2023.
Once major construction is complete, more than 12,000 mostly native plants from local nurseries will be planted in the area, including 45 new trees at various stages of maturity to support local biodiversity.
The works at Merlynston Station are being delivered as part of the Car Parks for Commuters Program, which is helping to deliver the Labor Government’s commitment of 11,000 new and upgraded commuter car parks across the state.
Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from works which will see the project complete the missing link of the Upfield Shared User Path along Bain Avenue. The path is set to be extended and lighting upgraded as part of a $3.75 million project.
New solar-powered LED lighting along Plaisted Street near Merlynston Station will further improve safety for cyclists travelling to and from the station.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“These works will make it easier for commuters, pedestrians and cyclists to access Merlynston Station by delivering hundreds of car parks and improving bike facilities.”
“We are also balancing our need to deliver these upgrades and ensuring we are having a positive impact on the environment by planting thousands of local fauna and flora to improve the overall landscape of the station precinct.”
As stated by Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn
“We are giving locals more choice about how they choose to travel to the station by improving access and safety and completing the missing link to the important shared user path nearby.”
