Construction on the Mernda line
Coronavirus and Victoria’s Big Build
Work is continuing safely on the Metro Tunnel Project as part of Victoria's Big Build. The health and safety of our workforce and community remains our top priority. COVIDsafe Plans are in place on all project sites across Victoria. Learn more.
Next-generation High Capacity Signalling (HCS) technology will be installed in the Metro Tunnel to deliver more trains during peak periods.
Testing
Before it is rolled out on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines and in the Metro Tunnel, the new technology is being put through months of rigorous testing on a 4.5km section of track on the Mernda line, between Epping and South Morang stations.
This test site is helping us fine tune the operation of the system for use in Melbourne. The Mernda line was chosen because it does not share tracks with regional or freight services and has fewer timetabled night services than other lines.
What will testing involve?
Two test trains are being put through hundreds of scenarios to make sure the integration of the new technology, the existing signalling system and the train is functioning as expected.
We expect approximately 500 hours of track time will be required to perform these testing activities. These hours will be spread out across 2020 and 2021 to allow time in between testing for any modifications required.
Learn more about High Capacity Signalling.
Current works
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| Timing | Where | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
November to December 2020 | Between Epping and South Morang stations | The Metro Tunnel Project is continuing with critical testing of High Capacity Signalling technology between Epping and South Morang stations. Out of hours works are scheduled intermittently throughout November and December to facilitate testing. These works will occur:
Testing works will require the use of trains at night, when trains are not normally running. The trains will use horns as required. To ensure these works can take place safely, buses will replace trains from 8.50pm until the last train service on parts of the Mernda line between 1 November to 18 December 2020. Passengers should allow an additional 30 minutes travel time. To stay up to date with bus replacement timetables and to plan your journey, visit Public Transport Victoria. For further details, see Mernda line, out of hours works notification, November to December 2020. PDF, 255.1 KB. |