First trains arrive at new stations

HUNTLY and Raywood are back on the regional train network after the two new stations opened last weekend.

After 68 years, the first train arrived at Huntly Station on Saturday morning, and after 40 years one rolled into Raywood Station a day later.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure and member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said it was a historic weekend.

“Decades after trains last departed Huntly and Raywood, we’re proud to bring services back to these growing communities,” she said.

The stations are part of the State Government’s $49.6 million Bendigo Metro 3 project.

“Thanks to our huge investment in Victoria’s rail network, kids growing up in Huntly and Raywood will be able to hop on a train at their local station and get to Bendigo, Melbourne and, via Melbourne Airport Rail, the rest of the world,” Ms Allan said.

Each week 18 services will stop at Huntly Station on the Echuca line, while 28 services will pull into Raywood which is part of the Swan Hill service.

Upgrade works continue along the Echuca line, with more than 12,000 sleepers replaced last week, while the Sunbury line works continued with trenching and pipe installation between Bendigo and Eaglehawk.