Works roll on at Huntly Station

HUNTLY residents can expect a new train station close to home by the middle of the year as construction continues on the fast-tracked project.

Transport minister and Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan said work on the second station in the Bendigo Metro 3 project was well on track.

“Hot on the heels of Goornong Station opening at the end of last year, we’re seeing tremendous progress here at Huntly with the construction of the new station,” she said.

The project was originally scheduled for completion later this year or next year, but intensive works have brought the date forward.

Ms Allan said progress was “powering on” at the station despite COVID challenges like labour or materials shortages which continue to affect businesses across the state.

“We work really hard all the time, whether there’s a pandemic or not, to get our projects completed as quickly as we possibly can and when it comes to rail projects that often involves shutting the line for a period of time so an intensive period of work can be done,” she said.

The latest works at the Wakeman Road site include installation of preformed concrete panels to build the station platform, and earthworks.

Once complete, the station will include seating and shelter, bike hoops, a car park with lighting and CCTV, and a bus stop with two bays.

“What’s really important… is that the station will be here as the houses are coming along,” Ms Allan said.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she expected significant residential development in the growing suburb, with the region’s population expected to hit 200,000 by 2050.

“Huntly has been a growth area for the City of Greater Bendigo probably for the last five years and I’d expect it to be for the next five years as well,” she said.

“There’s huge amount of area to grow and build new houses out this way.”

Coaches will replace trains on the Bendigo line throughout February to allow for works on the final Bendigo Metro 3 station in Raywood. For more information, visit vline.com.au.