Ewen McRae
The upgrade of Melton station is a step closer, with investigation works carried out recently as part of a major update to the station’s amenities.
The upgrade is part of a $24 million investment to improve facilities at 16 key stations across the state.
Boreholes were drilled on platform one and its adjacent track, giving crews critical foundation and structure data to help them plan for installation of additional shelters, a new accessible platform entrance and platform surface improvements.
The additional entrance and shelter will give passengers better access to the platform, reducing crowding at the existing entrance, while also providing more comfortable spaces to wait for trains.
The station upgrade plan also includes an upgrade to the passenger information display dcreens and the relocation of Myki payment devices.
The information from these exploratory works will be used to inform detailed design works for several of the station upgrades before the final plans are completed and construction can commence.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said upgrading the station was a priority project for the community.
“New shelter and better access to the train platform, along with other vital upgrades will give commuters using Melton train station the facilities they deserve,” Mr McGhie said.
“Melton has already benefited with a new station in Cobblebank delivered last year. Since the delivered upgrades on the Ballarat line last year, many people have contacted me about the existing historic Melton train station.
“We have listened to commuters’ needs and advocated with the Minister for Public Transport to deliver much needed upgrades for Melton commuters.”
Crews have worked through the night to complete the works without disrupting passengers, with all the boreholes resealed ready for services to commence for those travelling for essential purposes.
During the upgrades, special care will be taken to preserve the artworks and historical plaques at the station that have been created by the local community in recent years.
Melton is one of the busiest stations on the V/Line network, with an average of more than 6000 passengers travelling to or from the station on any given weekday before restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus were introduced.
Ewen McRae
